expedite

[ek-spi-dahyt]

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.

adjective

1. Obsolete.,  ready for action; alert.

expedite

/ 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)

adjective

1. unimpeded or prompt; expeditious

2. alert or prepared

Word History and Origins

Origin of expedite¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of expedite¹

C17: from Latin expedīre, literally: to free the feet (as from a snare), hence, liberate, from _ex- ¹ + pēs foot

Example Sentences

Public Library is working to select an architect from a list of preapproved contractors through the Bureau of Engineering “to expedite the rebuilding of the permanent library.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An Air India spokeswoman said the flight operated on schedule with “no expedited landing or any special facilitation.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Airlines have worked with the agency to develop a biometric process that expedites verification.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The declaration would also allow the county to expedite hiring for roles that assist tenants.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I believe the information is of such vital public importance that we filed suit and petitioned for expedited service.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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