Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/

Definitions

• Verb: To release or send forth (something or someone); to allow something to flow out or to be emitted. Example: "The factory was fined for discharging chemicals into the river."
• Verb: To dismiss from a job, duty, or position. Example: "The soldier was discharged after completing his service."
• Verb: To unload or empty a vessel, container, or device. Example: "The ship discharged its cargo at the port."
• Noun: The act of discharging, especially of releasing or emitting something. Example: "The discharge of electricity caused a spark."
• Noun: The release or dismissal of someone from duty, a hospital, or an organization. Example: "The doctor signed the discharge papers."
• Noun: A flow or release of substances, such as waste or fluid. Example: "The discharge of waste into the lake was illegal."

Usage Examples

• "The company faced legal action after discharging untreated wastewater into the river."
• "She was discharged from the hospital after her successful surgery."
• "The electrical device discharges energy when triggered by the switch."

Etymology

The word "discharge" comes from the Middle English "dischargen," which means to unload or free from a charge. It is derived from the Old French "descharger," from "des-" meaning "off" and "charger" meaning "to load" or "to charge." The word has evolved to encompass a range of meanings, including the act of releasing, emitting, or unloading various substances or persons from a specific responsibility.

Synonyms

• Release
• Unload
• Emit
• Excrete
• Dismiss
• Set free
• Expel

Antonyms

• Charge
• Receive
• Retain
• Keep
• Confine

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "discharge" may vary regionally within English-speaking countries, with slight differences in vowel sounds, particularly between American and British English. In other languages, such as Mandarin Chinese and Arabic, the pronunciation differs significantly due to local phonetic rules.

Historical Usage

The term "discharge" has been in use since the 15th century, initially relating to the release of a physical or mental burden, such as the discharge of responsibility or debt. Over time, it expanded to cover a wider range of meanings, from the release of physical materials (such as waste or liquid) to the release of individuals from employment or military service.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, particularly in military or employment contexts, the term "discharge" can carry significant social and cultural meaning, as it often denotes a formal end to one's duty or obligation. For example, a military discharge can be seen as a mark of honor or accomplishment, or it can be viewed negatively depending on the circumstances of the discharge.

More Information

While "discharge" is widely used in both everyday and technical contexts, it remains particularly important in fields such as law, healthcare, and engineering. In law, a discharge may refer to the cancellation of debts or the completion of an obligation. In healthcare, discharge refers to the formal release of a patient from care. The term's versatility allows it to be used across diverse disciplines with related but context-dependent meanings.