expedite

American  

[ek-spi-dahyt] / ˈɛk spɪˌdaɪt /

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.

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adjective

1. Obsolete. ready for action; alert.

expedite British  

/ 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)

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adjective

1. unimpeded or prompt; expeditious

2. alert or prepared

Etymology

Origin of expedite

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 )

Example Sentences

The agency said starting on Sunday, it was directing its Transportation Security Administration to close the expedited services to airport travelers to conserve resources.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since then, the Pentagon has moved to increase intelligence sharing, expedite arms sales and send 200 troops to train their Nigerian counterparts.

From Barron's

"Maybe the Home Secretary or someone at Parliament can expedite my wait and give me a British passport so I can fight for the country and make it proud," he says.

From BBC

“We will do our best to expedite their claims,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Bush could be ready to "expedite" exercises it was currently involved in, it said.

From Barron's

Related Words

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