discharge

word

/ˈdɪsˌtʃɑɹdʒ/, /dɪsˈtʃɑɹdʒ/
DIS-charj (noun), dis-CHARJ (verb)
/ˈdɪsˌtʃɑːdʒ/, /dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒ/
DIS-chahj (noun), dis-CHAHJ (verb)

Definition

As a verb, it can mean to officially let someone leave a hospital, prison, or the military, to dismiss someone from a job or duty, or to release a liquid, gas, electricity, or weapon. As a noun, it can mean the act of releasing something or a substance that comes out of the body.

Usage & Nuances

A formal, technical word with several meanings. Common patterns include 'be discharged from hospital', 'discharge someone from duty', 'discharge waste into a river', and 'discharge a firearm'. In medical contexts, noun 'discharge' often means fluid coming from the body, so context is very important.

Example Sentences

The doctor will discharge her tomorrow morning.

basic

They discharged him for breaking company rules.

natural

The factory must not discharge waste into the river.

basic

The nurse checked the wound for discharge.

basic

He was discharged from the army after the war.

natural

The battery can discharge quickly in cold weather.

natural