expedition English · revision 10621

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=1430|origins=fro expedicion|origins=la expeditio}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˌek.spɪˈdɪʃ.ən/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[bor|fro|expedicion|t=a dispatch, mission]] (13th century) and directly from Latin expedītiō, an enterprise against an enemy,^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(NODE 1998) a noun from expedīre, to free, make ready (see [[expedite]]).^(Etymonline)^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A military campaign, a setting forth with warlike intentions: 1430 in the OED, the early 15th century in Etymonline.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Early senses included the prompt doing or supply of something, and speed in action (1464), which survives as a formal word for promptness.^(OED 1989)^(NODE 1998)^(AHD) The issuing of official documents is from 1513.^(OED 1989) A journey or voyage for a definite purpose is from 1591, the 1590s in Etymonline,^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) and the body of people making it from the 1690s.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) A pleasure trip or outing is a looser modern use.^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1430 – a military enterprise.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1464 – prompt action, speed.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1591 – a purposeful journey.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1693 – the people on such a journey.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # An organized [[journey]] or voyage for a purpose such as [[exploration]], research or war.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # The people and equipment making such a journey.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A short trip or [[excursion]].^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(formal)'' Speed or promptness.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[expeditioner]]

+ * [[expeditionary]]

+ * [[fishing expedition]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[expedite]]

+ * [[expedient]]

+ * [[impede]]

+ * [[pedal]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}