Discharge
/ˈdɪs.tʃɑːrdʒ/
Definitions
6 meaningsTo release someone or something; to allow or cause to leave.
/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
To release something or someone.
The company discharged its employees due to financial difficulties.
💡 Simply: Imagine a water hose, when you turn off the faucet you are discharging the water. It's like letting something go or sending someone home from a job.
👶 For kids: When something is discharged, it means to let something go. Like when a doctor lets someone go home from the hospital.
More Examples
The river discharges into the sea.
The military officer was discharged after completing his service.
How It's Used
"The patient was discharged from the hospital after recovering."
"The judge discharged the jury after the verdict was reached."
To fulfill or perform a duty, obligation, or task.
/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
To perform or fulfill a duty or obligation.
The accountant discharged his duties accurately.
💡 Simply: Imagine a student turning in all their homework on time. They have discharged their responsibilities. It's like doing what you're supposed to do.
👶 For kids: When something is discharged, it can mean to do a job or task. Like a student doing their homework.
More Examples
The government discharged its responsibility to protect its citizens.
She discharged her debts on time.
How It's Used
"He discharged his responsibilities efficiently."
"The lawyer discharged their duty to represent their client."
To emit or release a substance, especially a liquid or gas.
/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
To release a substance or fluid.
The factory discharged pollutants into the river.
💡 Simply: Imagine a leaky faucet, water discharges from it. It's like something leaking, or releasing a liquid or gas.
👶 For kids: When something is discharged, it can mean that something comes out. Like when your nose discharges snot!
More Examples
The battery discharged and needed recharging.
The patient's wound began to discharge a yellowish fluid.
How It's Used
"The wound discharged pus."
"The battery discharges energy."
The act of releasing, expelling, or dismissing.
/ˈdɪs.tʃɑːrdʒ/
The act of releasing or dismissal.
The doctor signed the patient's discharge papers.
💡 Simply: Imagine the end of a school day, the moment you're discharged from class. It's the act of being let go.
👶 For kids: When we are discharged, it means we get to leave. Like, the end of school, or a doctor letting you go home.
More Examples
His discharge from the army was honorable.
The company announced the discharge of several employees.
How It's Used
"The patient's discharge from the hospital was scheduled for Friday."
"The judge ordered the prisoner's immediate discharge."
The fulfillment of a duty, obligation, or debt.
/ˈdɪs.tʃɑːrdʒ/
The act of fulfilling a duty.
The timely discharge of his financial debts saved him from a lawsuit.
💡 Simply: Imagine when you pay all of your debts, the discharge of your financial obligations. It’s the completion of a responsibility.
👶 For kids: Discharge can also mean to finish a job or task. Like finishing all of your chores.
More Examples
The discharge of her duties was essential to the team's success.
The discharge of his responsibilities was exemplary.
How It's Used
"The discharge of his responsibilities was exemplary."
"The discharge of their legal obligations was critical."
Something that is released, especially a liquid or gas.
/ˈdɪs.tʃɑːrdʒ/
A substance released.
The doctor examined the patient for any unusual discharges.
💡 Simply: Imagine the water that comes out of a pipe; it’s a discharge. It’s something that flows out.
👶 For kids: A discharge can mean something that comes out of your body. Like snot!
More Examples
The company monitored its waste discharge to comply with environmental regulations.
A yellowish discharge indicated an infection.
How It's Used
"The wound showed signs of a purulent discharge."
"The factory's waste discharge was monitored."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to discharge one's duties
To perform the responsibilities associated with one's job or role.
"The CEO was praised for discharging his duties effectively during the crisis."
discharge of responsibility
The act of fulfilling one's obligations or being free from blame or liability.
"The discharge of responsibility in this case has been properly executed."
discharge someone from hospital
To allow a patient to leave the hospital after treatment.
"The doctor decided to discharge the patient from the hospital after monitoring him."
From Middle English *dischargen*, from Old French *descharger*, from *des-* (dis-) + *charger* (to load, charge).
Historically used to describe the act of releasing or dismissing, particularly in military and legal contexts. Its usage has expanded to include various types of release or fulfillment.
Memory tip
Imagine a release valve letting something out: DIS-CHARGE.
Word Origin
"To unload or remove a burden or charge"