dash
/dæʃ/
NOUN
1. A punctuation mark
A horizontal line used in writing to indicate a pause, separate parts of a sentence, or connect words and numbers.
1.1. A horizontal punctuation symbol
A horizontal line, such as an em dash, en dash, or figure dash, used in written text for punctuation or separation.
Synonyms
- horizontal bar
- em dash
- en dash
- figure dash
Examples
- She used a dash to separate the two parts of the sentence.
- An em dash can create a strong pause in a sentence.
Related Words
- hyphen
- minus sign
- punctuation mark
1.2. A Morse code signal
The longer of the two basic Morse code signals, represented by a sustained sound or mark.
Synonyms
- long signal
- long mark
Antonyms
Examples
- The operator transmitted a dash followed by two dots.
- In Morse code, a dash is longer than a dot.
Related Words
- Morse code
- dit
- telegraph signal
NOUN
2. A short, rapid run or movement
A quick run or sudden movement over a short distance, often toward a particular destination.
2.1. A quick run or rush
A short, rapid movement made to reach a destination or accomplish something quickly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- He made a dash for the bus before it pulled away.
- The athlete completed a quick dash to the finish line.
Related Words
- journey
- trip
- chase
- pursuit
2.2. A sudden or forceful onset
A sudden, forceful beginning or rush of activity, energy, or movement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The crowd made a sudden dash toward the stadium entrance.
- A dash of activity followed the announcement.
Related Words
- attack
- outbreak
- eruption
NOUN
3. A small quantity of something
A small amount of a liquid, ingredient, or other substance added to something.
3.1. A small amount of liquid or an ingredient
A small quantity of a substance, especially a liquid, added to food or drink to provide flavor or another effect.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- abundance
- excess
- large quantity
Examples
- Add a dash of lemon juice to the sauce.
- She put a dash of milk in her coffee.
Related Words
- measure
- dose
- dollop
- dram
3.2. A slight admixture or additional quality
A small amount of an additional quality, element, or characteristic that gives something a distinctive effect.
Synonyms
- touch
- hint
- trace
- tinge
- ting
- flavor
- sprinkling
- smattering
Antonyms
- purity
- absence
Examples
- The presentation included a dash of humor.
- Her outfit had a dash of elegance.
Related Words
NOUN
4. Energy, style, or enthusiasm
A lively or spirited quality that makes someone or something seem energetic, distinctive, or impressive.
4.1. Lively energy and enthusiasm
A quality of spiritedness, vigor, or lively enthusiasm displayed in someone's behavior or personality.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- apathy
- lethargy
- listlessness
- sluggishness
Examples
- She performed the role with a dash of youthful energy.
- His writing has a dash of wit and personality.
Related Words
4.2. Distinctive style and flair
An attractive or impressive quality of style, confidence, or individuality that makes someone or something stand out.
Synonyms
- panache
- flair
- style
- brio
- pizzazz
- élan
- verve
Antonyms
- dullness
- drabness
- plainness
Examples
- The designer added a dash of flair to the collection.
- He delivered the speech with a dash of panache.
Related Words
- charisma
- elegance
- sophistication
- swagger
NOUN
5. A forceful strike or blow
A violent or forceful physical impact against someone or something.
5.1. A sudden physical blow
A forceful strike or hit delivered against a person or object.
Synonyms
Examples
- The boxer delivered a powerful dash against his opponent.
- The sudden dash against the door startled everyone.
Related Words
- impact
- collision
- assault
- attack
NOUN
6. A dashboard
An abbreviated or informal term for the dashboard of a vehicle.
6.1. A vehicle dashboard
The panel in front of a vehicle's driver that contains instruments and controls.
Synonyms
- dashboard
- instrument panel
- control panel
Examples
- He placed his sunglasses on the dash of the car.
- The warning light appeared on the vehicle's dash.
Related Words
- speedometer
- odometer
- instrument cluster
NOUN
7. A bribe or gratuity
A gift, payment, or gratuity given as an inducement or reward, particularly in Liberian usage.
7.1. An informal payment or gift
A payment, gift, or gratuity given to someone, sometimes to influence their actions or obtain a favor.
Synonyms
Examples
- The official was accused of accepting a dash in exchange for special treatment.
- The payment was described locally as a dash.
Related Words
VERB
8. To move quickly
To run or move rapidly, usually over a short distance or toward a particular destination.
8.1. Running or moving rapidly
To move quickly and suddenly, especially when trying to reach a place or avoid something.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- She dashed across the street to catch the bus.
- The children dashed into the playground.
Related Words
- gallop
- bound
- charge
- hurtle
8.2. Leaving or departing quickly
To leave a place suddenly or hurry away from a situation.
Synonyms
- depart
- leave
- bolt
- flee
- rush off
- make tracks
- take off
- run off
Antonyms
Examples
- He dashed out of the room when the phone rang.
- She dashed off before anyone could ask her a question.
Related Words
- escape
- withdraw
- retreat
VERB
9. To strike or destroy by impact
To damage, destroy, or break something by striking it forcefully against another object or surface.
9.1. Destroying or damaging through impact
To break, ruin, or damage something by hitting it forcefully against a surface or another object.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- repair
- restore
- mend
- fix
Examples
- The waves dashed against the rocks.
- The vehicle dashed into the barrier during the accident.
Related Words
VERB
10. To throw something violently
To throw or hurl something forcefully, often with the intention of striking or hitting a target.
10.1. Throwing or hurling forcefully
To propel an object violently or forcefully toward something or someone.
Synonyms
Examples
- He dashed the book onto the table in frustration.
- The waves dashed the boat against the shore.
Related Words
- propel
- project
- catapult
- sling
VERB
11. To sprinkle or splatter
To scatter or distribute small amounts of liquid or another substance over a surface.
11.1. Scattering small amounts of liquid
To splash, sprinkle, or scatter a liquid or substance in small quantities over something.
Synonyms
Examples
- The rain dashed water against the windows.
- She dashed a little water over the plants.
Related Words
- douse
- drench
- soak
- saturate
VERB
12. To ruin hopes or expectations
To destroy or seriously damage someone's hopes, dreams, plans, or expectations.
12.1. Destroying hopes and dreams
To ruin or frustrate someone's hopes, ambitions, plans, or expectations.
Synonyms
- destroy
- ruin
- shatter
- crush
- wreck
- thwart
- foil
- frustrate
- disappoint
Antonyms
Examples
- The unexpected rejection dashed her hopes of getting the job.
- The bad news dashed their dreams of moving abroad.
Related Words
VERB
13. To dishearten or sadden
To cause someone to feel discouraged, disappointed, or unhappy.
13.1. Causing discouragement or sadness
To make someone feel less hopeful, confident, or cheerful.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The criticism dashed his confidence.
- The disappointing result dashed the team's spirits.
Related Words
- distress
- trouble
- discomfort
- unnerve
VERB
14. To complete something hastily
To write, finish, or perform something quickly, often with little attention to detail.
14.1. Writing or completing something quickly
To produce or finish written work or another task rapidly, especially in a hurried or informal manner.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- labor over
- deliberate
- take time
Examples
- She dashed off a quick reply before leaving the office.
- He dashed down a few notes during the meeting.
Related Words
- compose
- draft
- note
- record
INTERJECTION
15. A mild exclamation of frustration
An informal exclamation used as a substitute for damn to express annoyance, surprise, or disappointment.
15.1. Expressing annoyance or frustration
A mild exclamation used to express irritation, disappointment, or surprise.
Synonyms
Examples
- Dash! I forgot to lock the door.
- Dash, the train has already left.