discharge
This word carries a strong sense of liberation or release, but the tone shifts dramatically depending on the context. In medical or legal settings, it is a formal term for official release, suggesting the end of a period of confinement or supervised care. It implies a transition from a controlled state to a free one.
Countable when referring to a specific amount of fluid or a particular act of release, such as a nasal discharge. Uncountable when referring to the general process of releasing energy or materials.
Meanings
To allow someone to leave a place, such as a hospital or the military, officially.
"The patient was discharged from the clinic yesterday."
To fulfill or carry out a duty, responsibility, or legal obligation.
"The executor worked hard to discharge the terms of the will."
To release a liquid, gas, or other substance from a container or a body.
"The factory was fined for discharging chemicals into the river."
To release stored electrical energy from a battery or capacitor.
"The circuit is designed to discharge the capacitor quickly."
To fire a gun or other weapon by pulling the trigger.
"The soldier was ordered to discharge his weapon."
The act of releasing someone from a duty, job, or confinement.
"The soldier's honorable discharge was granted after twenty years of service."
A substance, such as pus or mucus, that flows out of a part of the body.
"The doctor examined the yellow discharge from the wound."
The process of releasing a liquid or gas into the environment.
"The plant's wastewater discharge is monitored daily."
The release of stored electrical energy from a battery or capacitor.
"The rapid discharge of the battery caused the device to shut down."
Examples
The hospital will discharge the patient tomorrow morning.
The trustee must discharge the obligations listed in the contract.
The pipe will discharge waste water into the ocean.
The device is designed to discharge the battery slowly.
The guard accidentally managed to discharge his firearm.
He received an honorable discharge from the army.
The nurse noted a clear discharge from the surgical site.
The city regulates the industrial discharge of pollutants.
A rapid discharge of the capacitor can cause a spark.
Phrasal Verbs
discharge from
to be officially released from a place or duty
The sailor was discharged from the navy after his contract ended.