C1verb2K

Discharge

UK /["/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒ/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒɪz/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒd/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒɪŋ/"]/US /["/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒɪz/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒd/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to give somebody official permission to leave the police or the armed forces; to make somebody leave the police or the armed forces

In simple words: To let go or release someone or something.

Examples

  • The hospital will discharge the patient tomorrow morning after the final checkup.
  • After weeks of treatment, the doctor decided to discharge him from care.
  • Factories must not discharge toxic waste into the river to protect the environment.
  • The chimney discharged a large amount of smoke during the cold winter months.
  • The soldier was honorably discharged from the army after ten years of service.
  • The battery discharges slowly when not in use, which decreases its overall lifespan.
  • She asked the company to discharge her from all future contractual obligations.
  • The heart discharges blood into the arteries with each beat.

Usage notes

Use 'discharge' when discussing the release of a duty, responsibility, or patient, especially in medical or legal contexts. Avoid in informal settings.

Grammar pattern

discharge + object

Memory hint

Think of 'dis' as 'away' and 'charge' as 'load' — you discharge a load by letting it go.

Collocations

  • dishonourably/​dishonorably
  • honourably/​honorably
  • from
  • conditionally
  • formally
  • directly
  • from
  • into
  • fully
  • properly
  • faithfully
  • accidentally

Synonyms

  • release
  • dismiss
  • expel
  • remove
  • free

Antonyms

  • charge
  • detain

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'charge' which means to accuse or demand payment.
  • Using 'discharge' incorrectly for emotional release instead of physical or legal release.
  • Mixing up the verb form with the noun form.