I. ˈhāst noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English hǣst 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
II. verb
( hast·ed ; hast·ing )
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
archaic : to urge on : hasten
intransitive verb
: to move or act swiftly