Definition of "dash" in Englisch

noun

1. (typography) Any of the following symbols: ‒ (figure dash), – (en dash), — (em dash), or ― (horizontal bar).

2. (by extension) The longer of the two symbols of Morse code.

3. A short run, flight.

   • When the feds came they did the dash.

4. A rushing or violent onset.

5. Violent strike; a whack.

6. A small quantity of a liquid substance etc.; less than 1/8 of a teaspoon.

   • Add a dash of vinegar.

7. (figurative, by extension) A slight admixture.

   • There is a dash of craziness in his personality.

8. Ostentatious vigor.

   • Aren't we full of dash this morning?

9. (Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia) A bribe or gratuity; a gift.

10. (dated, euphemistic) A stand-in for a censored word, like "Devil" or "damn". (Compare deuce.)

    • Sir Thomas looks as if to ask what the dash is that to you! but wanting still to go to India again, and knowing how strong the Newcomes are in Leadenhall Street, he thinks it necessary to be civil to the young cub, and swallows his pride once more into his waistband. Comment: Some editions leave this passage out. Of those that include it, some change the 'you!' to 'you?'.
    • Who the dash is this person whom none of us know? and what the dash does he do here?

11. Ellipsis of dashboard.

12. (UK, India) A prime symbol.

verb

1. (intransitive) To run quickly or for a short distance.

   • He dashed across the field.

2. (intransitive, informal) To leave or depart.

   • I have to dash now. See you soon.

3. (transitive) To destroy by striking (against).

   • He dashed the bottle against the bar and turned about to fight.

4. (transitive) To throw violently.

   • The man was dashed from the vehicle during the accident.

5. (ambitransitive, sometimes figurative) To sprinkle; to splatter.

6. (transitive, dated) To mix, reduce, or adulterate, by throwing in something of an inferior quality.

   • to dash wine with water

7. (transitive, of hopes or dreams) To ruin; to destroy.

   • Her hopes were dashed when she saw the damage.

8. (transitive) To dishearten; to sadden.

   • Her thoughts were dashed to melancholy.