Main Entry: ¹dis·patch

Pronunciation: \di-ˈspach\

Function: verb

Etymology: 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

Date: 1517

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 3intransitive verb archaic : to make haste : hurry

synonyms see kill

— dis·patch·er noun