dispatch
or des·patch
to send off or away with speed, as a messenger, telegram, body of troops, etc.
to dismiss (a person), as after an audience.
to put to death; kill: The spy was promptly dispatched.
to transact or dispose of (a matter) promptly or speedily.
Archaic. to hasten; be quick.
the sending off of a messenger, letter, etc., to a destination.
the act of putting to death; killing; execution.
prompt or speedy transaction, as of business.
expeditious performance; promptness or speed: Proceed with all possible dispatch.
Commerce.
a method of effecting a speedy delivery of goods, money, etc.
a conveyance or organization for the expeditious transmission of goods, money, etc.
a written message sent with speed.
an official communication sent by special messenger.
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.
Idioms about dispatch
mentioned in dispatches, British. honored by being named in official military reports for special bravery or acts of service.
Origin of dispatch
1Other words for dispatch
Other words from dispatch
- out·dis·patch, verb (used with object)
- pre·dis·patch, noun, verb (used with object)
- re·dis·patch, verb (used with object)
- self-dis·patch, noun
- un·dis·patched, adjective
- un·dis·patch·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for dispatch
despatch
/ (dɪˈspætʃ) /
to send off promptly, as to a destination or to perform a task
to discharge or complete (a task, duty, etc) promptly
informal to eat up quickly
to murder or execute
the act of sending off a letter, messenger, etc
prompt action or speed (often in the phrase with dispatch)
an official communication or report, sent in haste
journalism a report sent to a newspaper, etc, by a correspondent
murder or execution
Origin of dispatch
1Derived forms of dispatch
- dispatcher, noun
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
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