# discharge

/ˈdɪsˌtʃɑɹdʒ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/discharge
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to release from an institution

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to officially allow someone to leave a place like a hospital, the army, or a court.

For teachers: to release someone officially from a period of confinement, service, or institutional care.

- The doctors decided to discharge the patient after his fever went down.
- The tribunal ruled to discharge the defendant after concluding that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient for a conviction.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice when referring to hospital or military contexts.

### 2. to fire a weapon

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

to shoot a gun or let an arrow fly.

For teachers: to fire a weapon or release a projectile.

- The officer was careful not to discharge his weapon in the crowded street.
- Forensic analysis confirmed that the suspect did not discharge the firearm during the struggle, as no gunshot residue was found on his hands.

### 3. to perform a duty

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

to do what you are required to do, like a job or a promise.

For teachers: to fulfill or carry out a duty, responsibility, or legal obligation.

- She worked hard to discharge her duties as the new manager.
- The executor of the estate is legally required to discharge all outstanding debts before distributing the remaining assets to the heirs.

### 4. to emit a substance

verb · CEFR B2 · Technical

to send out a liquid, gas, or other substance.

For teachers: to release or emit a substance, often as a waste product or from a wound.

- The factory was fined for discharging chemicals into the nearby river.
- The infected wound began to discharge a clear fluid, indicating that the healing process was not yet complete.

### 5. official release

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the act of being allowed to leave a job or institution.

For teachers: the formal act of releasing someone from an obligation, service, or confinement.

- He received an honorable discharge after serving four years in the navy.
- Upon his discharge from the psychiatric facility, the patient was provided with a comprehensive outpatient care plan.

### 6. emitted substance

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

liquid or gas that comes out of something, often from a pipe or a wound.

For teachers: a substance that has been emitted or released, particularly waste or biological fluid.

- The plumber checked the pipe for any unusual discharge.
- Environmental inspectors monitored the industrial discharge to ensure it met the safety standards set by the local government.

## Examples

- The patient is waiting for her discharge papers.
- After the doctor confirmed his recovery was complete, the hospital processed his discharge so he could return home.
- The environmental agency monitored the industrial discharge into the river to ensure the factory complied with strict waste management protocols.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.