Godspeed

Alternative forms

• God-speed
• God speed
• godspeed
• God's speed

Etymology

From Middle English phrase God spede (“may God cause you to succeed”), from God (“God”) + spede, singular subjunctive of speden (“to prosper”), from Old English spēdan, from spēd (“success”) (see English speed).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ɡɒdˈspiːd/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ɡɑdˈspid/

Interjection

Godspeed

1. The wish that the outcome of someone's actions is positive for them, typically someone about to start a journey or a daring endeavor.
   • 1678, John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress:

     Evangelist, after he had kissed him, gave him one smile, and bid him God-speed.

   • 1848, Anne Brontë, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall:

     "I'm wishing you God-speed, Hattersley," cried Arthur, "and aiding you with my prayers."

   • 1879, Henry James, Roderick Hudson:

     Rowland at the garden gate was giving his hostess Godspeed on her way to church.

   • 1914, James Joyce, Dubliners:

     Eight years before he had seen his friend off at the North Wall and wished him God-speed.

   • 1962 February 20, Scott Carpenter, (Please provide the book title or journal name):

     Godspeed, John Glenn.