Dash has 16 different meanings across 4 categories:
Noun · Verb · Intj · Proper Noun
Any of the following symbols: ‒ (figure dash), – (en dash), — (em dash), or ― (horizontal bar).
"The author used a series of dashes to indicate pauses in the dialogue."
In plain English: A dash is a short, quick movement to get from one place to another quickly.
"The runner took a quick dash before crossing the finish line."
Usage: As a noun, "dash" refers to any of several punctuation marks used to indicate breaks in text rather than the act of running quickly. When choosing between these symbols, use an em dash without spaces to set off parenthetical statements and an en dash with spaces for ranges or connections.
cause to lose courage
"dashed by the refusal"
To run quickly or for a short distance.
"The athlete dashed across the field to catch the ball before it went out of bounds."
In plain English: To dash means to run very quickly, usually because you are trying to get somewhere fast or escape something.
"He had to dash for the bus before it left."
Damn!
"Dash, what an incredible performance that was just now completed by our team!"
A topographic surname.
"The map clearly marked the location as Dash, a common toponymic surname in that region."
The word "dash" comes from Middle English daschen and dassen, which were borrowed from the Danish verb daske meaning "to slap or strike." Its deeper origins are unknown, though it is related to similar words in Swedish and German that involve striking or groping motions.