n.
Pronunciation: ' h ā st
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English h ǣ st violence
Date: 14th century
1 : rapidity of motion : SWIFTNESS
2 : rash or headlong action : PRECIPITATENESS <the beauty of speed uncontaminated by haste ― Harper's >
3 : undue eagerness to act
synonyms HASTE , HURRY , SPEED , EXPEDITION , DISPATCH mean quickness in movement or action. HASTE applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness <marry in haste >. HURRY often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion <in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush>. SPEED suggests swift efficiency in movement or action <exercises to increase your reading speed >. EXPEDITION and DISPATCH both imply speed and efficiency in handling affairs but EXPEDITION stresses ease or efficiency of performance and DISPATCH stresses promptness in concluding matters <the case came to trial with expedition > <paid bills with dispatch >.