Dispatch Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of DISPATCH

[+ object]

1

:

to send (someone or something) quickly to a particular place for a particular purpose

• Rescue workers were immediately dispatched to the area.
• The hotel dispatched a limo to pick us up from the airport.
• (formal) The message was dispatched to the general.

2

:

to defeat (a person or team) in a game, contest, etc.

• She easily dispatched [=(more commonly) _beat_] her opponent.

3

old-fashioned

:

to kill (a person or animal) quickly

• He dispatched the guard with one bullet.

Britannica Dictionary definition of DISPATCH

1

[count]

:

an important official message

• The general sent a dispatch to headquarters.

◊ In British English, a soldier who is mentioned in dispatches is noted for bravery.

2

[noncount]

somewhat formal

:

the act of sending someone or something to a particular place for a particular purpose

• He requested the immediate dispatch of supplies/troops.

3

[count]

:

a news story that a reporter sends to a newspaper usually from a foreign country

• The reporter sent many dispatches from the war zone.

:

in a quick and efficient way

• The problem was handled with dispatch.