dash

UK: dæʃ | US: dæʃ

Definition

  1. v. to run or move quickly

  2. v. to destroy or frustrate (e.g., hopes)

  3. n. a small amount of something (e.g., a dash of salt)

  4. n. a horizontal line (—) used in punctuation

Structure
dash <to strike violently>
Etymology

The word "dash" originated from Middle English dashen, meaning "to strike violently," likely imitative of the sound of a sudden impact. Over time, it evolved to encompass meanings related to speed (from the idea of a sudden movement) and destruction (from the force of a strike). The punctuation sense derives from the notion of a quick, emphatic stroke.

Examples

  1. She had to dash to catch the bus.

  2. The bad news dashed his hopes of winning.

  3. Add a dash of cinnamon to the recipe.

  4. Use an em dash (—) to indicate a pause in writing.

  5. The waves dashed against the rocks.