1 [with object] cause to go or be taken to a particular destination; arrange for the delivery of, especially by post:we sent a reminder letter but received no reply [with two objects]:he sent her a nice little note
cause (a message or computer file) to be transmitted electronically:send your document as a PDF attachment [with two objects]:I sent him an email last week
order or instruct to go to a particular destination or in a particular direction:the BBC sent me to Washington to cover the trial
[no object, with infinitive] send a message or letter:he sent to invite her to supper
[with object and adverbial of direction] cause to move sharply or quickly; propel:the volcano sent clouds of ash up four miles into the air
(send someone to) arrange for someone to go to (an institution) and stay there for a particular purpose:many parents prefer to send their children to single-sex schools
2 [with object and complement] cause to be in a specified state:while driving in London I was sent crazy by roadworks
[with object] informal affect with powerful emotion; put into ecstasy:it’s the spectacle and music that send us, not the words
send someone flying
cause someone to be knocked violently off balance or to the ground:the recoil of the gun sent him flying
instruct someone to go; arrange for someone’s departure:she sent him off to a lecturing engagement
(of a referee, especially in soccer or rugby) order a player to leave the field and take no further part in the game:the goalkeeper was sent off for a professional foul
send something off
dispatch something by post:please take a moment or two to send off a cheque to a good cause
send something on
transmit mail or luggage to a further destination or in advance of one’s own arrival:I’ve got your catalogue—would you like me to send it on?
send something out
1produce, emit, or give out something:radar signals were sent out in powerful pulses
2dispatch items to a number of people:the company sent out written information about the stock
send someone/thing up
informal
1British give an exaggerated imitation of someone or something in order to ridicule them:we used to send him up something rotten