What does "discharge" mean?

1. (to release from an institution) to officially allow someone to leave a place like a hospital, the army, or a court. 2. (to fire a weapon) to shoot a gun or let an arrow fly. 3. (to perform a duty) to do what you are required to do, like a job or a promise. 4. (to emit a substance) to send out a liquid, gas, or other substance. 5. (official release) the act of being allowed to leave a job or institution. 6. (emitted substance) liquid or gas that comes out of something, often from a pipe or a wound.

How do you use "discharge"?

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

discharge

v. · n.

US //ˈdɪsˌtʃɑɹdʒ// dis·charge

1 to release from an institution (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

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

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

Example

The doctors decided to discharge the patient after his fever went down.

Example

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.
- admit
- detain
2 to fire a weapon (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical

to shoot a gun or let an arrow fly.

to fire a weapon or release a projectile.

Example

The officer was careful not to discharge his weapon in the crowded street.

Example

Forensic analysis confirmed that the suspect did not discharge the firearm during the struggle, as no gunshot residue was found on his hands.
- load

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3 to perform a duty (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Academic

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

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

Example

She worked hard to discharge her duties as the new manager.

Example

The executor of the estate is legally required to discharge all outstanding debts before distributing the remaining assets to the heirs.
- neglect
- fail
4 to emit a substance (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

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

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

Example

The factory was fined for discharging chemicals into the nearby river.

Example

The infected wound began to discharge a clear fluid, indicating that the healing process was not yet complete.
- emit
- release
- exude
- absorb
5 official release (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

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

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

Example

He received an honorable discharge after serving four years in the navy.

Example

Upon his discharge from the psychiatric facility, the patient was provided with a comprehensive outpatient care plan.
- release
- dismissal
- admission
- enlistment
6 emitted substance (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

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

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

Example

The plumber checked the pipe for any unusual discharge.

Example

Environmental inspectors monitored the industrial discharge to ensure it met the safety standards set by the local government.

Origin

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