discharge Definition
- 1to allow someone officially to leave somewhere, especially a hospital or a court of law
- 2to fire someone from their job
- 3to release something, especially a liquid or gas
Using discharge: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "discharge" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The hospital discharged him after he recovered from the surgery.
Example
The company discharged several employees due to budget cuts.
Example
The factory discharged toxic waste into the river.
discharge Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using discharge
Example
He took the rap and discharged the gun, even though it was his friend who had pulled the trigger.
discharge one's duties
to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations
Example
As a teacher, it is important to discharge your duties with care and diligence.
Example
He worked hard to discharge his debt and finally became debt-free.
Phrases with discharge
a military discharge given to a service member who has completed their duty with a record of satisfactory service
Example
He received an honorable discharge after serving in the army for ten years.
a military discharge given to a service member who has committed a serious offense or has a history of poor conduct
Example
He was given a dishonorable discharge for disobeying orders and assaulting a fellow soldier.
official documents that certify a person's release from a hospital or military service
Example
He was handed his discharge papers and told he could leave the hospital.
Origins of discharge
from Old French 'descharger', meaning 'to unload'
Summary: discharge in Brief
The verb 'discharge' [dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒ] has three main meanings: to officially allow someone to leave a place, such as a hospital or court; to fire someone from their job; and to release something, especially a liquid or gas. Examples include 'The hospital discharged him after he recovered from the surgery,' and 'The factory discharged toxic waste into the river.' Phrases include 'honorable discharge,' 'discharge papers,' and idioms like 'discharge one's duties,' which means to fulfill one's responsibilities.