What does dispatch mean Meaning and Definition
What does dispatch mean
Pronunciation
/ˈdɪs.pætʃ/
Part of Speech
Verb or Noun
Definition
To send someone or something away or to take immediate action to deal with a situation.
Examples
- The police were dispatched to the scene of the accident.
- The company dispatched a team to investigate the matter.
Synonyms
- Send
- Order
Antonyms
- Receive
- Hold back
Etymology
The word “dispatch” comes from the Old French “dispatchier”, meaning “to fulfill” or “to accomplish”, and is derived from the Latin “despatchare”, meaning “to put in order”.
Usage Notes
When used as a verb, “dispatch” typically takes an object, such as a team or a message. When used as a noun, it refers to the act of sending something or someone away.
Cultural References
The term “dispatch” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. In the TV show “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, the character Commander William Riker is known for saying “Make it so, Number One, dispatch the away team”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Dispatch justice
- Dispatch a team
Related Words or Phrases
- Despatch
- Ship
- Send off
Collocations
- Dispatch a parcel
- Dispatch a team to the scene
Frequency of Use
The word “dispatch” is commonly used in formal and informal contexts, and its frequency of use has remained relatively consistent over time.
Common Misspellings
- Deatch
- Despatch