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jettison
/ˈdʒɛtɪsən/
to discard or abandon
The crew decided to jettison the cargo to lighten the ship during the storm.
The crew chose to throw away or abandon the cargo to make the ship lighter while navigating through the storm.
Engineering
technical
To deliberately cast off or discard something, especially cargo or equipment, to reduce weight or improve safety.
The pilot had to jettison the fuel tanks to avoid an explosion.
The pilot was forced to release the fuel tanks to prevent a potential explosion.
The software team decided to jettison the outdated features to streamline the product.
The software team chose to remove old features to simplify the product.
Often used in contexts where removing weight or unnecessary items is critical for survival or efficiency.
Business
formal
To abandon or reject an idea, plan, or policy.
After the market research, the company chose to jettison the project.
After analyzing the market, the company decided to abandon the project.
Common in business and strategic planning contexts.
Law
legal
In law, to formally reject or renounce a claim or right.
The plaintiff decided to jettison their claim to avoid prolonged litigation.
The plaintiff chose to formally abandon their legal claim to prevent a lengthy court battle.
Used in legal documents and proceedings.
Collocations
jettison cargoto discard goods from a ship or aircraftjettison a planto abandon a strategy or proposaljettison a featureto remove a component from a product
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'discard'
'Jettison' often implies a deliberate action to reduce weight or improve safety, while 'discard' is more general. For example, 'jettison fuel' suggests an emergency, whereas 'discard old clothes' does not.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'jettison' when the action involves reducing weight, improving safety, or abandoning a plan/idea. Avoid using it for everyday removal of items.
Word Origin
From Old French *jetison* (modern French *jetée*), derived from Latin *jectio(n-)* (throwing), from *jacere* (to throw). The verb form emerged in Middle English via Anglo-Norman French.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in technical, nautical, aviation, and business contexts. Avoid using in casual conversation unless mimicking a formal or technical tone.
Word Breakdown
jet
to throw
root-ison
action or process
suffixEnglish Dictionary