despatch Definition
- 1to send something, especially goods or a message, somewhere for a particular purpose
- 2to deal with a task or problem quickly and efficiently
Using despatch: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "despatch" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The company despatched the order yesterday.
Example
The police were despatched to the scene immediately.
Example
He quickly despatched the task before lunchtime.
Example
The team despatched their opponents in the final match.
despatch Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using despatch
Example
She made short work of the pile of paperwork on her desk, finishing it all in just an hour.
Example
I'll be back in a jiffy, just need to grab my coat.
Example
The sergeant ordered the troops to move at the double towards the enemy lines.
Phrases with despatch
Example
The despatch rider delivered the urgent message to the headquarters.
Example
The Chancellor of the Exchequer carried the budget documents in his despatch box.
a document that accompanies goods sent by a supplier, giving details of the goods and delivery
Example
The despatch note showed that the order was shipped on time.
Origins of despatch
from Old French 'despeechier', meaning 'to unshackle'
Summary: despatch in Brief
'Despatch' [dɪˈspætʃ] means to send something, especially goods or a message, somewhere for a particular purpose. It can also mean to deal with a task or problem quickly and efficiently. The term is often used in business and military contexts, as in 'The company despatched the order yesterday' and 'The police were despatched to the scene immediately.' 'Despatch' has idiomatic expressions like 'make short work of something,' which means to do something quickly and efficiently.