1. The act of sending off something
   "The dispatch of the urgent package was handled with priority";
   - despatch [Brit], shipment
    
2. The property of being prompt and efficient
   "it was done with dispatch";
   - despatch [Brit], expedition, expeditiousness
    
3. An official report (usually sent in haste)
   "The embassy issued a dispatch regarding the diplomatic incident";
   - despatch [Brit], communiqué
    
4. Killing a person or animal
   "The secret agent was known for his efficient dispatch of targets"; "The hunter's quick dispatch of the wounded animal was merciful";
   - despatch [Brit]

1. Send away towards a designated goal
   "The company dispatched the goods to the customer";
   - despatch [Brit], send off
    
2. Dispose of rapidly and without delay and efficiently
   "He dispatched the task he was assigned";
   - despatch [Brit]
    
3. Carry out, fulfil
   "dispatch one's duties";
   - discharge, complete, despatch [Brit]
    
4. Kill intentionally and with premeditation
   "The mafia boss dispatched his rival";
   - murder, slay [literary], bump off [informal], off [N. Amer, informal], polish off [informal], croak [informal], despatch [Brit]
    
5. Kill without delay
   "the traitor was dispatched by the conspirators";
   - despatch [Brit]

Derived forms: dispatching, dispatched, dispatches

See also: clip [informal], do in [informal], knock off [informal], liquidate, neutralise [Brit], neutralize, take out [informal], waste [informal], whack [informal]

Type of: accomplish, account, act, action, carry out, carry through, celerity [archaic], departure, execute, fulfil [Brit, Cdn], fulfill [N. Amer], going, going away, kill, killing, leaving, move, news report, putting to death, quickness, rapidity, rapidness, report, send, ship, speediness, story, transport, write up

Encyclopedia: Dispatch, Kansas