If you're really intent on expediting something, you jump in with both feet—or place a single foot where it will be most effective! And when you do, you're drawing on the etymology of expedite itself. The word comes from the Latin verb expedire ("to extricate, prepare, be useful"), a word that traces back to the root ped- or pes, meaning "foot." Expedite has been used in English since at least the 15th century.
Example Sentences
During the fire season they wear a semblance of uniform intended to expedite the rush when the siren howls … Tom Harpole, Air & Space, August/September 1993Overnight he found himself coordinating the train and ship schedules and expediting the loading and unloading of 15,000 officers and men … Neil Sheehan, A Bright Shining Lie, 1988This final phase was never actually completed because of the need to expedite an airmobile force to Vietnam. Shelby L. Stanton, Anatomy of a Division, 1987After the war its leaders were stigmatized as collaborators and accused of helping to expedite the murderous work of the Nazis. Bernard Wasserstein, New York Times Book Review, 24 May 1987
Recent Examples on the WebSome attribute the surging demand to social media, which can expedite aesthetic trends without bringing the music fandom along. Rebecca Picciotto, WSJ, 14 Sep. 2022 The deal, brokered largely between Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, has sent progressives reeling, urging leadership not to attach legislation that could expedite oil and gas projects onto the funding bill. Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2022 Our links automatically apply the promo code, which will expedite an already-easy process. Xl Media, cleveland, 26 Aug. 2022 The shuttle route bypasses the Kent Street and Brandon Hall stops, which the MBTA said will expedite travel. Nick Stoico, BostonGlobe.com, 8 July 2022 Most states have now enacted similar legislation to expedite the licensing process or provide out-of-state licensing reciprocity for military families, which are particularly in need of a streamlined credentialing process given their mobility. Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 5 July 2022 In an interview with The Arizona Republic Monday, Volker was pessimistic American diplomats could help expedite her release from Russia any time soon. Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2022 The Bears need to find a way to pen Jackson in the pocket and try to expedite his processing. Brad Biggs, chicagotribune.com, 19 Nov. 2021 Kids in Need of Defense, the largest U.S.-based nonprofit serving migrant children, urged the Biden administration to deploy HHS caseworkers to airports and military sites receiving Afghan evacuees to expedite the release of unaccompanied minors. Camilo Montoya-galvez, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin expeditus, past participle of expedire — see expediententry 1