Dispatch
/dɪˈspætʃ/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo send someone or something off to a destination or for a specific purpose, often with speed or efficiency.
/dɪˈspætʃ/
To send off to a destination or for a purpose.
The company dispatched a team to fix the problem.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a delivery person. To dispatch something is like quickly sending a package or person somewhere to do a job. For example, the pizza place dispatches pizzas to hungry people!
👶 For kids: To send someone or something somewhere to do a job.
More Examples
The emergency services were dispatched immediately.
He dispatched a message to his friend.
How It's Used
"The general dispatched troops to the front lines."
"The news agency dispatched a reporter to cover the breaking story."
To kill or put to death; to get rid of something quickly and decisively, often by force.
/dɪˈspætʃ/
To kill or execute summarily.
The hunter dispatched the injured animal quickly to end its suffering.
💡 Simply: If something is dispatched, it's usually ended or gotten rid of quickly. This can mean something bad, like in old stories, a knight dispatches an enemy.
👶 For kids: To get rid of something, like when a bad guy is sent away by the hero.
More Examples
She dispatched the problem with decisive action.
He dispatched the last argument with a witty comeback.
How It's Used
"The soldiers dispatched the enemy quickly."
"The politician dispatched his rival's argument with a sharp retort."
The act of sending something or someone off; a written message or report.
/dɪˈspætʃ/
The act of sending off someone or something.
The dispatch of supplies was vital to the mission.
💡 Simply: When something is sent off, that's a dispatch. It can also be a written report or message, like a news dispatch.
👶 For kids: The act of sending something, like a letter. Or the letter itself!
More Examples
The journalist sent a dispatch from the war zone.
I read a dispatch from the field.
How It's Used
"The dispatch of the troops was delayed."
"The newspaper received a dispatch from its foreign correspondent."
Speed and efficiency in completing a task or activity.
/dɪˈspætʃ/
Promptness and efficiency in dealing with something.
The team processed the orders with great dispatch.
💡 Simply: It means doing things fast and efficiently. Think of getting things done quickly, like if a superhero uses great dispatch when fighting villains.
👶 For kids: Doing something quickly and well.
More Examples
They completed the project with efficiency and dispatch.
He dealt with the crisis with speed and dispatch.
How It's Used
"The manager handled the issue with great dispatch."
"The team worked with speed and dispatch."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
With dispatch
Quickly and efficiently.
"The delivery was made with dispatch."
Dispatch rider
A person who delivers urgent messages or packages, typically on a motorcycle.
"The company hired a dispatch rider to make rapid deliveries."
From Old French *despescher* meaning 'to send off, expedite,' ultimately from Vulgar Latin *despedicare*, from *pedica* ('fetter').
Used since the 14th century; initially focused on military and administrative matters, particularly in conveying orders and information.
Memory tip
Think of sending a package with speed and purpose. The dispatch gets there quickly and with a specific goal.
Word Origin
"to send off, expedite"