dispatch

¹dis·patch

verb \di-ˈspach\

Definition of DISPATCH

transitive verb

1

: to send off or away with promptness or speed; especially : to send off on official business

2

a : to kill with quick efficiency

b obsolete : deprive

3

: to dispose of (as a task) rapidly or efficiently

4

: defeat 3

intransitive verb

archaic : to make haste : hurry

— dis·patch·er noun

Examples of DISPATCH

1. Rescue workers were immediately dispatched to the area.
2. The hotel dispatched a limo to pick us up from the airport.
3. He dispatched the guard with one bullet.

Origin of DISPATCH

Spanish despachar or Italian dispacciare, from Occitan despachar to get rid of, from Middle French despechier to set free, from Old French, from des- dis- + -pechier (as in enpechier to ensnare) — more at impeach

First Known Use: 1517

Related to DISPATCH

Synonyms

consign, send, pack (off), ship, shoot, transfer, transmit, transport

Antonyms

accept, receive

Related Words

convey, deliver, hand over, pass, render; advance, drop, launch; address, forward; export, import; bestow, contribute, donate, give, present; resend, return

Near Antonyms

acquire, draw, earn, gain, garner, get, obtain, procure, secure

See Synonym Discussion at kill

Rhymes with DISPATCH

attach, book-match, bycatch, crosshatch, crosspatch, detach, fair catch, from scratch, night latch, nuthatch, oil patch, outmatch, potlatch, rematch, Sasquatch, slow match, test match, throatlatch, unlatch

²dis·patch

noun \di-ˈspach, ˈdis-ˌpach\

Definition of DISPATCH

1

a : a message sent with speed; especially : an important official message sent by a diplomatic, military, or naval officer

b : a news item filed by a correspondent

2

: the act of dispatching: as

a obsolete : dismissal

b : the act of killing

c (1) : prompt settlement (as of an item of business) (2) : quick riddance

d : a sending off : shipment

3

: promptness and efficiency in performance or transmission <done with dispatch>

Examples of DISPATCH

1. The general sent a dispatch to headquarters.
2. He requested the immediate dispatch of supplies.
3. The reporter sent many dispatches from the war zone.

First Known Use of DISPATCH

1537

Related to DISPATCH

Synonyms

¹letter, epistle, memo, memorandum, missive, note

Related Words

billet-doux, open letter; airmail, card, electronic mail, e-mail, junk mail, mail, postal card, postcard; communication, report; encyclical

See Synonym Discussion at haste