dispatch

or des·patch

[ dih-spach ]

verb (used with object)

1. to send off or away with speed, as a messenger, telegram, body of troops, etc.
2. to dismiss (a person), as after an audience.
3. to put to death; kill:

   The spy was promptly dispatched.

4. to transact or dispose of (a matter) promptly or speedily.

verb (used without object)

1. Archaic. to hasten; be quick.

noun

1. the sending off of a messenger, letter, etc., to a destination.
2. the act of putting to death; killing; execution.
3. prompt or speedy transaction, as of business.
4. expeditious performance; promptness or speed:

   Proceed with all possible dispatch.

   Synonyms: celerity, alacrity, haste, rapidity

5. Commerce.
   1. a method of effecting a speedy delivery of goods, money, etc.
   2. a conveyance or organization for the expeditious transmission of goods, money, etc.
6. a written message sent with speed.
7. an official communication sent by special messenger.
8. Journalism. a news story transmitted to a newspaper, wire service, or the like, by one of its reporters, or by a wire service to a newspaper or other news agency.

dispatch

/ dɪˈspætʃ /

verb

1. to send off promptly, as to a destination or to perform a task
2. to discharge or complete (a task, duty, etc) promptly
3. informal.
   to eat up quickly
4. to murder or execute

noun

1. the act of sending off a letter, messenger, etc
2. prompt action or speed (often in the phrase with dispatch )
3. an official communication or report, sent in haste
4. journalism a report sent to a newspaper, etc, by a correspondent
5. murder or execution

Derived Forms

• disˈpatcher, noun

Other Words From

• outdis·patch verb (used with object)
• predis·patch noun verb (used with object)
• redis·patch verb (used with object)
• self-dis·patch noun
• undis·patched adjective
• undis·patching adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispatch¹

1510–20; < Italian dispacciare to hasten, speed, or < Spanish despachar both ultimately < Old French despeechier to unshackle, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + -peechier < Late Latin -pedicāre to shackle; impeach

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispatch¹

C16: from Italian dispacciare, from Provençal despachar, from Old French despeechier to set free, from des- dis- ¹+ -peechier, ultimately from Latin pedica a fetter

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. mentioned in dispatches, British. honored by being named in official military reports for special bravery or acts of service.

Example Sentences

They can’t have a funeral unless his body is brought back to Poland — a process that involves various expenses and paperwork, for which Ola’s mother dispatches her barely-adult daughter alone to Dublin.

From New York Times

That morning, a single squad car from West L.A. was dispatched to monitor the protest.

From Los Angeles Times

Hoover had dispatched the military to break up a camp of World War I veterans who had massed to demand immediate payment of a bonus they had been promised for serving.

From Los Angeles Times

Emergency services were dispatched to the tower block just after 13:00 on Monday and nearby Dalmuir train station was closed, causing cancellations to trains.

From BBC

South Korea warns it could send arms to Ukraine in response to North Korea allegedly dispatching troops to Russia.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dismiss
• ship