Background for dashes

dashes

/ˈdæʃɪz/

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noun

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

Examples :

"The document used several different lengths of dashes for emphasis and separation, including en dashes and em dashes. "

grammar writing linguistics sign

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noun

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

Examples :

"In Morse code, "SOS" is signaled using three dots, three dashes, and then three more dots. "

communication writing language sign

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noun

A short run, flight.

Examples :

"He made several dashes to the car to carry all the groceries inside. "

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noun

A rushing or violent onset.

Examples :

"The hungry children made several dashes for the cookies as soon as Mom put them on the table. "

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noun

Violent strike; a whack.

Examples :

"The playful puppy gave the boy's cheek little dashes with its wet nose. "

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noun

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

Examples :

"Add a dash of vinegar."

amount food drink

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noun

(by extension) A slight admixture.

Examples :

"There is a dash of craziness in his personality."

amount substance

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noun

Ostentatious vigor.

Examples :

"The young athlete's routine was full of dashes, showcasing his boundless energy and competitive spirit. "

energy style character

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noun

Examples :

"The driver placed the sunglasses on the car's dashes while he went inside the store. "

vehicle technology

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noun

(Liberia) A bribe or gratuity; a gift.

Examples :

"To get his paperwork processed quickly, he had to give the clerk a few dashes. "

culture tradition economy

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noun

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

Examples :

"The teacher wrote "Sh--" and "D--" on the board as examples of how writers use dashes to represent swear words. "

language writing word curse

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verb

To run quickly or for a short distance.

Examples :

"He dashed across the field."

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verb

To leave or depart.

Examples :

"I have to dash now. See you soon."

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verb

To destroy by striking (against).

Examples :

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

action disaster war

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verb

To throw violently.

Examples :

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

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verb

(sometimes figurative) To sprinkle; to splatter.

Examples :

"The cook dashes salt and pepper onto the steak before grilling it. "

action appearance

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verb

To mix, reduce, or adulterate, by throwing in something of an inferior quality.

Examples :

"to dash wine with water"

food drink business economy

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verb

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

Examples :

"Her hopes were dashed when she saw the damage."

outcome negative

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verb

To dishearten; to sadden.

Examples :

"The disappointing news of her friend's failing grade dashed her hopes for a celebratory weekend. "

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verb

To complete hastily, usually with down or off.

Examples :

"He dashed down his eggs, she dashed off her homework"

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verb

To draw quickly; jot.

Examples :

"The architect dashes a quick sketch of the building design during the meeting. "

writing communication language action