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

Related Words

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