dispatch

or des·patch

[ dih-spach ]

/ dɪˈspætʃ /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR dispatch ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to send off or away with speed, as a messenger, telegram, body of troops, etc.

to dismiss (a person), as after an audience.

to put to death; kill: The spy was promptly dispatched.

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

verb (used without object)

Archaic. to hasten; be quick.

noun

the sending off of a messenger, letter, etc., to a destination.

the act of putting to death; killing; execution.

prompt or speedy transaction, as of business.

expeditious performance; promptness or speed: Proceed with all possible dispatch.

Commerce.

a method of effecting a speedy delivery of goods, money, etc.
a conveyance or organization for the expeditious transmission of goods, money, etc.

a written message sent with speed.

an official communication sent by special messenger.

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.

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Idioms for dispatch

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

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; see impeach

SYNONYMS FOR dispatch

9 rapidity, haste, alacrity, celerity.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR dispatch ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM dispatch

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, adjectiveun·dis·patch·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for dispatch

In 1970, Hunter S. Thompson was dispatched to report on a motorcycle race in Las Vegas.
Sneer and Clothing in Miami: Inside The $3 Billion Woodstock of Contemporary Art|Jay Michaelson|December 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He also claimed that the CIA had dispatched a clone of himself to Foxcatcher Farm to kill Schultz.
Foxcatcher’s Real-Life Psycho Killer|Marlow Stern|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Kremlin officials deny they dispatched any column across the border on Thursday, slamming the allegation as fantasy.
Ukraine Rebels Boast About Troops and Tanks Coming from Russia|Jamie Dettmer|August 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It was very hard to see all my friends be dispatched to cover this breaking news story.
Soledad O'Brien's Next Chapter: 'The War Comes Home,' Her CNN Departure, and the State of News|Marlow Stern|August 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Iran is already said to have dispatched small military units to Baghdad.
A Winning Strategy for Iraq and Syria|Leslie H. Gelb|June 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A messenger was at once dispatched to the hall with a note of apology for their abrupt departure.
Frank Oldfield|T.P. Wilson
In that year 750,000 bushels were dispatched for Philadelphia.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines|Andrew Ure
A national messenger was dispatched to Normandy to announce the invitation.
King Alfred of England|Jacob Abbott
When you again secure the signature you require, we will see to it that another messenger is dispatched to your home bearing it.
The Pioneer Boys of the Yellowstone|Harrison Adams
The answer was dispatched next day through Sir Alfred Milner.
The Great Boer War|Arthur Conan Doyle

British Dictionary definitions for dispatch

dispatch

despatch

/ (dɪˈspætʃ) /

verb (tr)

to send off promptly, as to a destination or to perform a task

to discharge or complete (a task, duty, etc) promptly

informal to eat up quickly

to murder or execute

noun

the act of sending off a letter, messenger, etc

prompt action or speed (often in the phrase with dispatch)

an official communication or report, sent in haste

journalism a report sent to a newspaper, etc, by a correspondent

murder or execution

Derived forms of dispatch

dispatcher, noun

Word Origin for dispatch

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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dispatch

or des·patch

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

noun

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Idioms for dispatch

Origin of dispatch

SYNONYMS FOR dispatch

OTHER WORDS FROM dispatch

Example sentences from the Web for dispatch

British Dictionary definitions for dispatch

despatch

verb (tr)

noun

Derived forms of dispatch

Word Origin for dispatch

MEANINGS

WORD GAMES

LEARN

WRITING

WORD OF THE DAY

dispatch

or des·patch

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

noun

QUIZZES

IS YOUR DESERT PLANT KNOWLEDGE SUCCULENT OR DRIED UP?

Idioms for dispatch

Origin of dispatch

SYNONYMS FOR dispatch

OTHER WORDS FROM dispatch

Words related to dispatch

Example sentences from the Web for dispatch

British Dictionary definitions for dispatch

despatch

verb (tr)

noun

Derived forms of dispatch

Word Origin for dispatch