Which of the following words is most similar in meaning to "expedite"?

The term "expedite" means to make a process happen more quickly or efficiently. It is often used in contexts where actions are taken to speed up a procedure or task. The word most similar in meaning to "expedite" is "facilitate," which also conveys the idea of helping something progress smoothly or making it easier to carry out a process.

In several contexts, to facilitate can refer to enabling an action, reducing obstacles, or ensuring that a task is performed more effectively, aligning well with the meaning of expedite. Thus, both words share a common theme of increasing efficiency and speed in an operation or process.

The other words listed do not share this meaning. While "beckon" refers to signaling someone to come closer, "exterminate" pertains to completely destroying or eliminating something, and "disrespect" relates to a lack of respect or rudeness. None of these options convey the idea of making something happen faster or more efficiently, distinguishing "facilitate" as the best choice in the context of speeding up a process.