dispatch

Or des·patch

[dih-spach]

verb (used with object)

1. to send off or away with speed, as a messenger, telegram, body of troops, etc.

2. to dismiss (a person), as after an audience.

3. to put to death; kill.

   The spy was promptly dispatched.

4. to transact or dispose of (a matter) promptly or speedily.

verb (used without object)

1. Archaic.,  to hasten; be quick.

noun

1. the sending off of a messenger, letter, etc., to a destination.

2. the act of putting to death; killing; execution.

3. prompt or speedy transaction, as of business.

4. expeditious performance; promptness or speed.

   Proceed with all possible dispatch.

   Synonyms: celerity, alacrity, haste, rapidity

5. Commerce.

   1. a method of effecting a speedy delivery of goods, money, etc.

   2. a conveyance or organization for the expeditious transmission of goods, money, etc.

6. a written message sent with speed.

7. an official communication sent by special messenger.

8. Journalism.,  a news story transmitted to a newspaper, wire service, or the like, by one of its reporters, or by a wire service to a newspaper or other news agency.

dispatch

/ dɪˈspætʃ /

verb

1. to send off promptly, as to a destination or to perform a task

2. to discharge or complete (a task, duty, etc) promptly

3. informal,  to eat up quickly

4. to murder or execute

noun

1. the act of sending off a letter, messenger, etc

2. prompt action or speed (often in the phrase with dispatch )

3. an official communication or report, sent in haste

4. journalism a report sent to a newspaper, etc, by a correspondent

5. murder or execution

Other Word Forms

• dispatcher noun
• outdispatch verb (used with object)
• predispatch noun
• redispatch verb (used with object)
• self-dispatch noun
• undispatched adjective
• undispatching adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispatch¹

1510–20; < Italian dispacciare to hasten, speed, or < Spanish despachar both ultimately < Old French despeechier to unshackle, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + -peechier < Late Latin -pedicāre to shackle; impeach

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispatch¹

C16: from Italian dispacciare, from Provençal despachar, from Old French despeechier to set free, from des- _dis- ¹ + -peechier, ultimately from Latin pedica a fetter

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. mentioned in dispatches, honored by being named in official military reports for special bravery or acts of service.

Example Sentences

The ministry added that it was dispatching diplomats to the site.

From BBC

It added that technical crews and equipment have been dispatched to clear the wreckage and restore services as soon as possible.

From BBC

My first dispatch was from the mausoleum niche at Pacific View Memorial Park that holds the cremains of one of my predecessors, Ruben Salazar.

From Los Angeles Times

He recently sent 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington D.C. after having dispatched soldiers, ICE and border patrol agents to Los Angeles since early June.

From Los Angeles Times

Walters hopes a closely fought NRL play-off series will sharpen up his players for the rigours of a tour against an England side who have dispatched Tonga and Samoa in successive series.

From BBC

Related Words

• bulletin 
• instruction 
• missive