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

Other Word Forms

• outdispatch verb (used with object)
• predispatch noun
• redispatch verb (used with object)
• self-dispatch noun
• undispatched adjective
• undispatching adjective
• dispatcher noun

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

Example Sentences

In a Tuesday speech before a gathering of generals and admirals, he sketched out a controversial vision of dispatching troops to Democratic cities “as training grounds for our military” to combat an “invasion from within.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Times was not able to obtain vehicle locator data from any of the other fire agencies that were dispatched to the Eaton fire that night.

From Los Angeles Times

However, they will face a side who are arguably in better form and who comfortably dispatched holders New Zealand in the semi-finals.

From BBC

"IDF troops, alongside the Israel Police, were dispatched to the area of Eilat after receiving a report of a UAV attack," the IDF said in a statement.

From BBC

Local workers were quickly dispatched to cut down stray branches from trees.

From BBC

Related Words

• bulletin 
• instruction 
• missive