expedite

American  

[ek-spi-dahyt] / ˈɛk spɪˌdaɪt /

verb (used with object)

expedited, expediting

1. to speed up the progress of; hasten.

   to expedite shipments.

   Synonyms:

   hurry, accelerate, push, quicken

   Antonyms:

   delay

2. to accomplish promptly, as a piece of business; dispatch.

   to expedite one's duties.

3. to issue or dispatch, as an official document or letter.

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adjective

1. Obsolete. ready for action; alert.

expedite British  

/ ˈɛkspɪˌdaɪt /

verb

1. to hasten the progress of; hasten or assist

2. to do or process (something, such as business matters) with speed and efficiency

3. rare to dispatch (documents, messages, etc)

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adjective

1. unimpeded or prompt; expeditious

2. alert or prepared

Etymology

Origin of expedite

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin expedītus (past participle of expedīre “to disengage, set the feet free”), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + ped- (stem of pēs ) foot + -ītus adjective suffix ( -ite ² )

Example Sentences

Havering Council said it would continue to call on the government and the Greater London Authority for funding and support to expedite a legal solution.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

“This was a joint effort to expedite the reopening of the mall in a manner that would be safe for the mall’s tenants, the tenants’ employees, shoppers, students, and other mall visitors.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

“In fact, Secretary Noem’s review process was specifically designed to break through bureaucratic red tape and expedite funding requests that had previously languished for years under prior administrations.”

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

Instead, they charge fees to expedite delivery of the funds.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

Watson ran down to the metal shop in the basement of the Cavendish labs to expedite the fabrication of the modeling parts.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Related Words

• accelerate
• assist
• facilitate
• hasten
• promote
• quicken
• speed
• urge