English Reference

Word

discharge

Phoneticsdis·charge, stress on the first syllable

/ˈdɪsˌtʃɑɹdʒ/

Definitions

01to release from an institution

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

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

v. 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.

Antonyms

02to fire a weapon

C1 · Advanced Formal · Technical

v. to shoot a gun or let an arrow fly.

v. 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.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

03to perform a duty

C1 · Advanced Formal · Academic

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

v. 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.”

Antonyms

04to emit a substance

B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical

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

v. 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.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

05official release

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal

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

n. 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.”

Synonyms

06emitted substance

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Medicine Technical

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

n. 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.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “discharge” in context.

Verb

01. accidentally discharge a firearm

“The officer was suspended after he accidentally discharged his firearm during the training exercise.”

adv + verb

02. discharge a duty

“The executor must discharge his duties with complete transparency and integrity.”

verb + noun

03. discharge a patient from hospital

“The medical team decided to discharge the patient from the hospital after his fever subsided.”

verb + noun + prep + noun

04. honorably discharge a soldier

“He was honorably discharged from the army after twenty years of distinguished service.”

adv + verb

Noun

05. discharge of pollutants

“New regulations were introduced to monitor the discharge of pollutants into the local river system.”

noun + of + noun

Adverb

06. lawfully discharge a debt

“The company sought legal advice on how to lawfully discharge its outstanding debts to creditors.”

adv + verb

07. wrongfully discharge an employee

“The firm was sued for damages after it was found to have wrongfully discharged the whistleblower.”

adv + verb

Real-World Examples

“The university said in a statement the student victim had "sustained non-life threatening injuries" and was discharged from hospital.”
BBC News 15 Aug 2026
“All three were taken to hospital for checks but were discharged shortly afterwards, Chomchoey said.”
BBC News 15 Aug 2026
“Daera said "no active discharge was found" but "a definite line of enquiry is being followed regarding the source of the pollution".”
BBC News 12 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English dischargen, from Old French deschargier (“to unload”), from Late Latin discarricāre (“unload”). By surface analysis, dis- + charge.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domains

LawLogicMedicineMilitary

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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