dispatches
|dis-patch-es|
/dɪˈspætʃɪz/
(dispatch)
send quickly
Etymology
'dispatch' originates from Anglo-French/Old French, specifically the verb 'despechier' (also attested as 'despeschier'), where the element meant 'to hasten' or 'to send swiftly'.
'dispatch' changed from Old French 'despechier/despeschier' and was borrowed into Middle English (as 'despachen'/'dispatchen'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'dispatch'.
Initially, it meant 'to hasten' or 'send away quickly'; over time it retained that core sense and broadened to include 'send reports', 'ship goods', and (by euphemism/military usage) 'kill'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
reports or messages sent, especially official or journalistic reports sent from a correspondent or agent.
The newspaper published several dispatches from its correspondent in the capital.
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Noun 2
acts of sending someone or something off to a destination; shipments or sendings.
Military dispatches were sent daily to the front lines.
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Noun 3
news items sent quickly from a remote location by a correspondent (journalistic use).
Her dispatches on the crisis drew international attention.
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Noun 4
speediness or efficiency in completing a task (usually used with 'with').
They completed the project with dispatches that surprised the client.
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Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'dispatch': sends off or transmits (someone or something) to a destination or for a purpose.
She dispatches packages every Wednesday to rural customers.
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Verb 2
third-person singular present of 'dispatch': deals with quickly or efficiently; disposes of.
He dispatches routine paperwork before lunch.
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Last updated: 2025/12/29 23:10