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 all synonyms and antonyms

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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