Discharge

Definition

Discharge refers to the action of releasing or expelling something, whether it be a substance, an obligation, or a person from a duty. It can also refer to the flow of liquid, electricity, or other materials, or the official release of someone from a hospital or the military.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪsˈtʃɑrdʒ/
• Respelling: dis-CHARJ

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒ/
• Respelling: dis-CHAHRJ

The pronunciation of "discharge" differs slightly in American and British English, primarily in the length of the vowel sound.

Etymology

The word "discharge" originates from the Old French word "descharger," meaning "to unload or release," and from the Latin word "dis-" (apart) and "carricare" (to load). The term came into English in the late Middle Ages, initially referring to the release of a burden or load.

Derivatives

• Discharged (adjective)
• Discharging (verb)
• Dischargeable (adjective)
• Discharger (noun)
• Undischarged (adjective)

Synonyms

• Release
• Expel
• Emit

Antonyms

• Retain
• Confine
• Hold

Usage

The word "discharge" is commonly used in medical, legal, military, and scientific contexts. It can describe the release of a person from a hospital or military service, the expulsion of fluids from the body, the flow of electricity, or the fulfillment of an obligation, such as debt repayment.

Related Terms

• Emission: The act of releasing or expelling something, often used in the context of gases or radiation.
• Excretion: The process of eliminating waste material from the body.
• Fulfillment: The act of completing or carrying out a responsibility or duty.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The release of someone from a duty, hospital, or military service: Refers to the official release of someone from an obligation.
  • Example: "The patient was given a discharge after recovering from surgery."
• The flow of liquid, gas, or electricity from a source: Refers to the expulsion or flow of substances or energy.
  • Example: "The dam's discharge of water increased during the storm."
• The action of fulfilling an obligation or duty: Refers to the completion or satisfaction of a responsibility.
  • Example: "The company made the final discharge of its debts."

Verb

• To release or expel something, especially a substance or liquid: Refers to the act of emitting or expelling something.
  • Example: "The factory discharged waste into the river."
• To officially release someone from a duty, such as military service or a hospital stay: Refers to the formal process of releasing someone.
  • Example: "He was discharged from the army after completing his term."
• To fulfill or carry out an obligation or duty: Refers to the act of completing a responsibility or obligation.
  • Example: "The trustee discharged their duties with diligence."