Discharged
[dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒd]
Definitions
3 meaningsTo release from a duty, obligation, or a place.
[dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ]
To release someone or something from a duty, obligation, or confinement.
The soldier was discharged from the army after serving for five years.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're finally done with a task or a place, like getting out of school after a long day or paying off your bills. That's being discharged!
👶 For kids: When you're discharged, it's like you're let go! Like when you're done being in the hospital and can go home.
More Examples
The bank discharged the mortgage after the final payment was made.
The guard discharged his duties when the clock struck midnight.
How It's Used
"The patient was discharged from the hospital after a week."
"The judge discharged the jury after the trial."
"He discharged his debt by paying it in full."
To release or emit fluid, gas, or something else.
[dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ]
To allow or cause fluid, gas, or other matter to flow out or be emitted.
The river was discharging into the ocean.
💡 Simply: Imagine a pipe releasing water, or a wound leaking. That's discharging!
👶 For kids: If something is discharged, it's like it's leaking or coming out. Like when your nose is discharged.
More Examples
The battery was designed to discharge its energy slowly.
The exhaust pipe discharged fumes into the air.
How It's Used
"The wound was discharging pus."
"The factory was fined for discharging pollutants into the river."
To perform or fulfill a duty or task.
[dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ]
To perform or fulfill a duty, task, or obligation.
The committee discharged its duties efficiently.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're doing your job or completing a task. That means you're discharging your responsibilities!
👶 For kids: When you discharge something, you're doing it. Like, you're discharging your homework.
More Examples
The actor discharged his role perfectly.
The employee discharged her tasks for the day.
How It's Used
"The lawyer discharged their responsibilities competently."
"The executive discharged his duty without fail."
Idioms & expressions
to discharge a debt
To pay off or cancel a debt.
"He managed to discharge his debt after years of saving."
discharge from the military
To release someone from military service.
"After serving 20 years, the soldier received a discharge from the military."
From Middle English *dischargen*, from Old French *deschargier* (to unload, relieve), from *des-* (prefix indicating removal) + *chargier* (to load).
The word "discharge" has been used since the 14th century and evolved from legal and military contexts to broader applications.
Memory tip
Think of releasing something (like an arrow) - letting it go from a place (like a bow) or obligation.
Word Origin
"to unload, relieve"