First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1dash
verb \ˈdash\
: to run or move quickly or suddenly
: to hit something in a violent and forceful way
: to break or destroy (something) by throwing or hitting it against something
Full Definition of DASH
transitive verb
1
: to break by striking or knocking
2
: to knock, hurl, or thrust violently
5
: to affect by mixing in something different <his delight was dashed with bitterness>
6
: to complete, execute, or finish off hastily —used with down or off <dashed down a drink> <dash off a letter>
7
[euphemism] : 1damn 4
intransitive verb
1
: to move with sudden speed
2
: smash
See dash defined for English-language learners
See dash defined for kids
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Origin of DASH
Middle English dasshen, probably from Middle French dachier to impel forward
2dash
noun
: a punctuation mark — that is used especially to show a break in thought or in the structure of a sentence (as in “We don't know where—or how—the problem began.”)
: a small amount of something that is added to something else
: the act of running or moving quickly or suddenly in a particular direction or to a particular place
Full Definition of DASH
1
2
a : a stroke of a pen b : a punctuation mark — that is used especially to indicate a break in the thought or structure of a sentence
3
: a small usually distinctive addition <a dash of salt> <a dash of humor>
4
: flashy display
5
: animation in style and action
6
a : a sudden onset, rush, or attempt b : a short fast race
7
: a long click or buzz forming a letter or part of a letter (as in Morse code)
8
: dashboard 2
See dash defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DASH
14th century
DASH Defined for Kids
1dash
verb \ˈdash\
dasheddash·ing
Definition of DASH for Kids
1
: to knock, hurl, or shove violently <The storm dashed the boat against a reef.>
2
: 2smash 1 <He dashed the plate to pieces.>
3
: 1splash 2 <She dashed water on her face.>
4
: 1ruin 2 <Their hopes were dashed.>
5
: to complete or do hastily <He dashed off a note before leaving.>
6
: to move with sudden speed <The boys dashed up the stairs.>
2dash
noun
Definition of DASH for Kids
1
: a sudden burst or splash <a dash of cold water>
2
: a punctuation mark — that is used most often to show a break in the thought or structure of a sentence
3
: a small amount : touch <Add a dash of salt.>
4
: liveliness in style and action <A scarf adds dash to the outfit.>
5
: a sudden rush or attempt <… Jane made a mad dash for the hall bathroom and yelled, “Home-free-all!” — Judy Blume, Sheila the Great>
6
: a short fast race <100-yard dash>
7
: a long click or buzz forming a letter or part of a letter (as in Morse code)
8
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