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discharge
/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒ/
to release or let go
The doctor discharged the patient after recovery.
The doctor released the patient from the hospital after they recovered.
Medicine
Medical
to release someone from a hospital or medical care
The nurse discharged the patient with a prescription.
The nurse released the patient from the hospital with a prescription.
In medical contexts, discharge often implies the patient is no longer under active treatment.
Law
formal
to release someone from legal or military obligations
The court discharged the defendant on bail.
The court released the defendant from custody on bail.
In legal contexts, discharge can refer to the release of a person from a legal obligation or duty.
Engineering
technical
to release a liquid or gas from a container or system
The engineer discharged the excess water from the tank.
The engineer released the excess water from the tank.
In engineering, discharge often refers to the controlled release of fluids or gases.
Business
formal
to release someone from employment or service
The company discharged the employee for misconduct.
The company released the employee from their job for misconduct.
In business contexts, discharge can refer to the termination of employment.
Collocations
discharge from hospitalto release a patient from medical caredischarge a weaponto fire a gun or other weapondischarge a dutyto fulfill a legal or moral obligation
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'discharge' changes based on the context. Pay attention to the field or domain to understand the correct usage.
Gold Rule
Medical vs. Legal
In medical contexts, 'discharge' refers to releasing a patient. In legal contexts, it can refer to releasing someone from an obligation.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'dischargen', from Old French 'descharger', from Latin 'dis-' (apart) + 'carricare' (to load).
Usage Notes
The meaning of 'discharge' varies significantly depending on the context. In medical contexts, it typically means to release a patient from care. In legal contexts, it can mean to release someone from an obligation. In technical contexts, it refers to the release of fluids or gases.
Word Breakdown
dis-
apart, away
prefix-charge
to load or burden
rootEnglish Dictionary