Sends off quickly to a destination or deals with efficiently; also refers to official messages or news reports sent rapidly over distance. Can mean to kill quickly and efficiently.
From Italian 'dispacciare' meaning 'to expedite,' from 'dis-' (away) + 'pactum' (agreement, settlement). Entered English in the 16th century through diplomatic and military contexts where rapid communication was essential.
The word captures the urgency of pre-electronic communication, when physical messengers carried vital information across vast distances at great personal risk. War correspondents still file 'dispatches,' maintaining the tradition of rapid, firsthand reporting despite modern technology making transmission instantaneous.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.