Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

expedite

[ek-spi-dahyt]
See more synonyms for expedite on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), ex·pe·dit·ed, ex·pe·dit·ing.
  1. to speed up the progress of; hasten: to expedite shipments.
  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.
Show More
adjective
  1. Obsolete. ready for action; alert.
Show More

Origin of expedite

1425–75; late Middle English < Latin expedītus (past participle of expedīre to disengage, set the feet free), equivalent to ex- ex-1 + ped- (stem of pēs) foot + -ītus -ite2
Related formsun·ex·pe·dit·ed, adjective

Synonyms

See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com
1. quicken, push, accelerate, hurry.

Antonyms

1. delay.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

urgehastenfacilitateassistacceleratepromotespeedquickenadvancerushdispatchforwardpressprecipitaterailroadhurryhand-carryhand-walk

Examples from the Web for expedited

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • If Monsieur had the idea to cause to be expedited a little billet?

  • Their work was expedited for them by reason that already they knew where you carried your valuables.

    Sundry Accounts

    Irvin S. Cobb

  • At all events, she expedited in every possible manner the wooing and winning of Althea.

    Hubert's Wife

    Minnie Mary Lee

  • Instead of cheering, however, it alarmed him, and expedited his movements.

    The Pirate City

    R.M. Ballantyne

  • The entre was expedited by Beethoven, the joint disappeared to a triumphal march.

    The Burglars' Club

    Henry A. Hering

British Dictionary definitions for expedited

expedite

verb (tr)
  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)
Show More
adjective obsolete
  1. unimpeded or prompt; expeditious
  2. alert or prepared
Show More

Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for expedited

expedite

v.

late 15c. (implied in past participle expedit), from Latin expeditus, past participle of expedire "extricate, disengage, liberate; procure, make ready, make fit, prepare," literally "free the feet from fetters," hence "liberate from difficulties," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + *pedis "fetter, chain for the feet," related to pes (genitive pedis) "foot" (see foot). Cf. Greek pede "fetter." Related: Expedited; expediting.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper