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dispatch definition

dis·patch (di spac̸h; for n., esp. 4-5, also dispac̸h′)

transitive verb

  1. to send off or out promptly, usually on a specific errand or official business
  2. to put an end to; kill
  3. to finish quickly or promptly
  4. Informal to eat up quickly

Etymology: Sp despachar & It dispacciare, to send off, lit., to remove impediments, hence facilitate < OFr despeechier < des- (see dis-) + (em)peechier, to impede < LL impedicare, to entangle < L in-, in + pedica, a shackle < pes, foot

noun

  1. a dispatching; sending out or off
  2. an act of killing
  3. efficient speed; promptness
  4. a message, esp. an official message
  5. a news story sent to a newspaper or broadcaster, as by a correspondent

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