expedite

[ek-spi-dahyt]

verb (used with object)

expedited, expediting 

1. to speed up the progress of; hasten.

   to expedite shipments.

   Synonyms: hurry, accelerate, push, quicken
   Antonyms: delay

2. to accomplish promptly, as a piece of business; dispatch.

   to expedite one's duties.

3. to issue or dispatch, as an official document or letter.

adjective

1. Obsolete.,  ready for action; alert.

expedite

/ ˈɛkspɪˌdaɪt /

verb

1. to hasten the progress of; hasten or assist

2. to do or process (something, such as business matters) with speed and efficiency

3. rare,  to dispatch (documents, messages, etc)

adjective

1. unimpeded or prompt; expeditious

2. alert or prepared

Word History and Origins

Origin of expedite¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin expedītus (past participle of expedīre “to disengage, set the feet free”), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + ped- (stem of pēs ) foot + -ītus adjective suffix ( -ite ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of expedite¹

C17: from Latin expedīre, literally: to free the feet (as from a snare), hence, liberate, from _ex- ¹ + pēs foot

Example Sentences

They’re supposed to expedite the deportation of the tens of thousands of people currently in detention camps and go through millions of backlogged cases even though few of them have experience with immigration law.

From Los Angeles Times

The funding marks a strategic shift as the city looks to expedite construction in the midst of a housing crisis.

From Los Angeles Times

There are some indications already that Delhi has been actively working to expedite other trade pacts.

From BBC

It also raises questions about whether Canada has a responsibility to expedite entry for people in ICE detention who have ties to that country.

From BBC

On Friday, the committee stripped the language and moved ahead with the remainder of the bill, which is designed to expedite transit projects in California.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accelerate 
• assist 
• facilitate 
• hasten 
• promote 
• quicken 
• speed 
• urge