dispatch

Universal Words (BrE also despatch) verb, noun verb [VN] 1 ~ sb/sth (to...) (formal) to send sb/sth somewhere, especially for a special purpose: Troops have been dispatched to the area. * A courier was dispatched to collect the documents. 2 ~ sth (to sb/sth) (formal) to send a letter, parcel/package or message somewhere: Goods are dispatched within 24 hours of your order reaching us. 3 (formal) to deal or finish with sb/sth quickly and completely: He dispatched the younger player in straight sets. 4 (old-fashioned) to kill a person or an animal noun 1 [U] (formal) the act of sending sb/sth somewhere: More food supplies are ready for immediate dispatch. 2 [C] a message or report sent quickly from one military officer to another or between government officials: The latest dispatch was held up for three hours at the border. * He was mentioned in dispatches (= for brave acts in war). 3 [C] a report sent to a newspaper by a journalist who is working in a foreign country: dispatches from the war zone IDIOMS with dispatch (formal) quickly and efficiently: He carries out his duties with efficiency and dispatch.