despatch
UK[dɪˈspætʃ]US[dɪˈspætʃ]
v
to send someone or something somewhere for a particular purpose
n
the act of sending someone or something somewhere
Morpheme Breakdown
de
spatch
de
off, away, completely
spatch
to send off, to expedite
Etymology
the word 'despatch' is a variant spelling of the more common 'dispatch'. it entered english in the early 16th century, likely from italian 'dispacciare' via spanish 'despachar', meaning "to send off speedily." the italian term itself may derive from vulgar latin 'dispactare', meaning "to loosen, to set free," from latin 'dis-' (apart) and a root related to hindrance. the prefix 'de-' intensifies the sense of sending away. the spelling with 'e' (despatch) became standard in british english for a period, influenced by the spanish form, though 'dispatch' is now prevalent globally. the core concept evolved from the literal act of sending something away to the more abstract senses of completing a task or dealing with a matter speedily.
Analysis
Structure: de + spatch
de- (latin origin, prefix meaning "off, away, completely"); spatch (variant of the root found in 'dispatch', from italian 'dispacciare' or spanish 'despachar', meaning "to send off, to expedite")
Examples
they despatch a courier with the urgent documents.
the despatch of the peacekeeping force was authorized by the council.
please ensure this order is despatched within 24 hours.