expedite

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verb ex·pe·dite \ ˈek-spə-ˌdīt \

Definition of expedite

expedited; expediting

transitive verb

1 :to execute promptly

2 :to accelerate the process or progress of :speed up

3 :issue, dispatch

See expedite defined for English-language learners

See expedite defined for kids

expedite was our Word of the Day on 08/22/2011. Hear the podcast!

Examples of expedite in a Sentence

During the fire season they wear a semblance of uniform intended to expedite the rush when the siren howls … —Tom Harpole, Air & Space, August/September 1993
Overnight he found himself coordinating the train and ship schedules and expediting the loading and unloading of 15,000 officers and men … —Neil Sheehan, A Bright Shining Lie, 1988
This final phase was never actually completed because of the need to expedite an airmobile force to Vietnam. —Shelby L. Stanton, Anatomy of a Division, 1987
After the war its leaders were stigmatized as collaborators and accused of helping to expedite the murderous work of the Nazis. —Bernard Wasserstein, New York Times Book Review, 24 May 1987

Recent Examples of expedite from the Web

Linking a popular VA reform bill to the must-pass legislation likely would have only delayed the passage of the former and not expedited the passage of the latter.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "The Republicans Are Their Own Worst Enemies," 24 Aug. 2017
Lawmakers also considered outlawing construction permitting rules currently in place in Austin that expedite permitting for projects that include certain worker protections.

— star-telegram, "Here’s what happened to Abbott’s agenda during the special session," 16 Aug. 2017
The intention was to have Gonzales join the rotation eventually this season, but that has been expedited with the injury to Hernandez.

— ryan divish, The Seattle Times, "Mariners place Felix Hernandez on the 10-day disabled list with biceps tendinitis," 5 Aug. 2017
The Trump administration had suspended expediting H-1B processing in March, shortly after taking office, in what pro-immigration forces labeled an attack on foreign workers and anti-immigration activists said was the closure of a major loophole.

— glenn garvin, miamiherald, "That visa you asked for might arrive just a little bit quicker," 24 July 2017
The Portillo's chain is famous for expediting service by stationing employees in the restaurants' parking lots to take orders and payments and to deliver food that's ready before the customer reaches the drive-through window.

— bill bird, Naperville Sun, "Portillo's seeks second drive-thru lane for Ogden Avenue restaurant," 20 July 2017
The police chief has asked that the review be expedited, but much of the information needed is in the hands of state investigators.

— Washington Post, "Minneapolis police officer has yet to talk to investigators," 19 July 2017
There are steps South Floridians can take now to prepare themselves for the insurance company’s extensive requests and expedite the claim process.

— by gina clausen lozier, miamiherald, "After the storm: Small businesses should anticipate insurers’ document requests," 16 July 2017
Through the years, the FDA has made several efforts to expedite the process.

— vikki ortiz healy, chicagotribune.com, "Parents’ crusade against deadly Batten disease brings hope, heartbreak," 7 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'expedite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

If you're really intent on expediting something, you jump in with both feet - or apply a single foot where it will be most effective! And when you do, you're drawing on the etymology of expedite itself. The word comes from the Latin verb expedire ("to set free" or "to make useful"), a word that in turn traces back to the root ped- or pes, meaning "foot." Expedite has been used in English since at least the 15th century.

Origin and Etymology of expedite

Latin expeditus, past participle of expedire — see ¹expedient

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First Known Use: 15th century

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EXPEDITE Defined for English Language Learners

expedite

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verb

Definition of expedite for English Language Learners

: to cause (something) to happen faster

Learn More about expedite

See words that rhyme with expedite Spanish Central: Translation of expedite Nglish: Translation of expedite for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of expedite for Arabic speakers

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expedite

Definition of expedite

expedite was our Word of the Day on 08/22/2011. Hear the podcast!

Examples of expedite in a Sentence

Recent Examples of expedite from the Web

Did You Know?

Origin and Etymology of expedite

EXPEDITE Defined for English Language Learners

expedite

Definition of expedite for English Language Learners

Learn More about expedite

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expedite

Definition of expedite

From the M-W Editors

expedite was our Word of the Day on 08/22/2011. Hear the podcast!

Examples of expedite in a Sentence

Recent Examples of expedite from the Web

Did You Know?

Origin and Etymology of expedite

EXPEDITE Defined for English Language Learners

expedite

Definition of expedite for English Language Learners

Learn More about expedite

Seen and Heard

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