dispatch
/dɪˈspætʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈspætʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈspach/ (ame, mw)
dispatch — verb
1. to officially send a person, item, or message to a destination, usually for a pa
to officially send a person, item, or message to a destination, usually for a particular mission, task, or purpose
The company dispatched a team of engineers to the factory in Jakarta.
dispatch + noun phrase + to + place
Salma dispatched the package by express courier on Monday morning.
A rescue helicopter was dispatched to the site of the accident within minutes.
The embassy dispatched an urgent warning to all citizens in the region.
The manager dispatched a memo to every department before the meeting.
文法句型
dispatch + someone/something + to + place/person
be dispatched + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Frequently used in logistics, emergency services, and official communication. Unlike general 'send', dispatch emphasises speed, purpose, and often a formal or organised process.
常見錯誤
2. to end the life of a person or animal swiftly and decisively, often to prevent s
to end the life of a person or animal swiftly and decisively, often to prevent suffering or as part of a duty
The vet decided it was kinder to dispatch the injured horse with a single injection.
dispatch + animal + to end suffering
In the novel, the spy dispatched his target with a silent and practiced movement.
Théo dispatched the wounded bird quickly to end its suffering.
Farmers sometimes dispatch old or sick livestock to prevent further pain.
文法句型
dispatch + noun phrase (person or animal)
用法筆記
When used for animals, it commonly describes humane euthanasia. When used for people, the tone is formal, literary, or euphemistic — not appropriate for everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
3. to complete a task, settle a matter, or remove an obstacle rapidly and thoroughl
to complete a task, settle a matter, or remove an obstacle rapidly and thoroughly
The committee dispatched the agenda items in under an hour.
dispatch + noun phrase for completing tasks
Dewi dispatched her household chores before noon so she could enjoy the afternoon.
The team dispatched the technical problems one after another.
The lawyer dispatched the remaining paperwork before the court recessed.
The chess champion dispatched her opponent in just fifteen moves.
- handle
general term for dealing with something; dispatch adds speed
- finish
complete something; dispatch emphasises doing it quickly
- dispose of
get rid of something; overlaps with dispatch when removal is involved
- settle
resolve a matter; often used for disputes or business
文法句型
dispatch + noun phrase (task, business, matter, opponent)
用法筆記
This sense covers a broad range: finishing tasks, dealing with correspondence, defeating opponents in sports or games, and getting rid of unwanted items. The common thread is speed and completeness.
常見錯誤
dispatch — noun
1. the process or act of sending a person or thing to a destination
the process or act of sending a person or thing to a destination
The dispatch of the medical supplies was delayed by bad weather.
dispatch of + goods
The manager approved the dispatch of two trucks to the warehouse.
Customers can track their order after dispatch through the online portal.
The dispatch of troops to the border area began at dawn.
- sending
the everyday equivalent; dispatch is more formal
- shipment
specifically for goods being transported
- forwarding
used for mail or messages passed along
- receipt
the act of receiving what was sent
文法句型
the dispatch of + noun phrase
after dispatch
by dispatch
用法筆記
Uncountable noun — no plural form. Often used in logistics, shipping, and military contexts to refer to the sending process itself, not an individual item sent.
2. an official message, report, or news story sent quickly, especially about milita
an official message, report, or news story sent quickly, especially about military, political, or foreign affairs
The general received a dispatch from the front line late at night.
military dispatch from [location]
Ryo read the correspondent's dispatch about the peace talks in the morning paper.
A diplomatic dispatch warned the embassy of the approaching political crisis.
The war correspondent filed a dispatch describing the situation in the capital.
- report
a broader term; a dispatch is a report sent quickly from the field
- bulletin
a brief, timely news announcement
- communiqué
formal, used for official government or military announcements
文法句型
a dispatch from + place/person
file a dispatch
receive a dispatch
用法筆記
Countable noun — you can say 'a dispatch', 'two dispatches'. In journalism, it refers to a report sent by a correspondent from a remote or dangerous location.
常見錯誤
3. official recognition of a soldier's bravery or meritorious service, recorded in
official recognition of a soldier's bravery or meritorious service, recorded in a military report sent to command
Corporal Ramón was mentioned in dispatches for his courage under fire.
fixed phrase: mentioned in dispatches
Her grandfather's name appeared in the dispatches from the Burma campaign.
Three soldiers were mentioned in dispatches after the rescue mission.
Several officers were mentioned in dispatches following the border conflict.
文法句型
mentioned in dispatches
be mentioned in dispatches
用法筆記
Almost exclusively used in the fixed expression 'mentioned in dispatches' (or 'mentioned in despatches' in British English). It is a formal honour and often appears in military records or biographies.
4. the quality of acting or dealing with matters quickly and efficiently
the quality of acting or dealing with matters quickly and efficiently
The team completed the project with impressive dispatch.
with [adjective] dispatch
The matter was settled with all possible dispatch.
The new manager handled every customer complaint with remarkable dispatch.
The restaurant staff worked with remarkable dispatch during the lunch rush.
- speed
focuses on how fast; dispatch also includes efficiency
- efficiency
doing things well with minimal waste; dispatch adds speed
- promptness
being on time or quick to act
文法句型
with dispatch
with all possible dispatch
with remarkable dispatch
用法筆記
Uncountable — no plural. Used in formal writing and business contexts, almost always in the pattern 'with + (adjective) + dispatch'. Not used in everyday informal speech.