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

That “should expedite the process,” Earl said, adding that he expects substantial refunds to emerge in the second quarter.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

“In fact, Secretary Noem’s review process was specifically designed to break through bureaucratic red tape and expedite funding requests that had previously languished for years under prior administrations.”

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

"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 • Feb. 21, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

I decided I would call the attorney general's office and see if they would concede legal error in the pending appeal, which would ensure relief at the appellate court and perhaps expedite Walter's release.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

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