dispatch

American  

[dih-spach] / dɪˈspætʃ /

Or despatch

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.

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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.

idioms

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

dispatch British  

/ 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

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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

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

Etymology

Origin of dispatch

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

Example Sentences

He has openly pledged to dispatch oil companies to “start making money for the country.”

From Salon

Network Rail said heavy snow in areas such as Kintore in Aberdeenshire, had seen snowploughs dispatched to clear the railway line, as well as further north on the line to Wick.

From BBC

Fire and rescue forces were dispatched to the scene and a no-fly zone was imposed over the Swiss Alps resort, according to police in the Swiss canton of Valais.

From The Wall Street Journal

The beautician’s allegations, and the Mar-a-Lago spa’s practice of dispatching workers to Epstein’s home, have not been previously reported.

From The Wall Street Journal

They dispatch coaches to recruit from coast to coast.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bulletin
• instruction
• missive