Pronunciation: dis- ' chärj, ' dis- ˌ
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French descharger, from Late Latin discarricare, from Latin dis- + Late Latin carricare to load ― more at CHARGE
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 : to relieve of a charge, load, or burden: a : UNLOAD < discharge a cargo ship> b : to release from an obligation c : to release electrical energy from (as a battery or capacitor) by a discharge
2 a : to let or put off < discharge passengers> < discharge cargo> b : SHOOT < discharge an arrow> c : to release from confinement, custody, or care < discharge a prisoner> < discharge a patient> d : to give outlet or vent to : EMIT < discharge emotions>
3 a (1) : to dismiss from employment (2) : to release from service or duty < discharge a soldier> b : to get rid of (as a debt or obligation) by performing an appropriate action (as payment) c : to set aside : ANNUL d : to order (a legislative committee) to end consideration of a bill in order to bring it before the house for action
4 : to bear and distribute (as the weight of a wall above an opening)
5 : to bleach out or remove (color or dye) in dyeing and printing textiles
6 : to cancel the record of the loan of (a library book) upon return
intransitive verb
1 a : to throw off or deliver a load, charge, or burden b : to release electrical energy by a discharge
2 a : GO OFF , FIRE ― used of a gun b : SPREAD , RUN <some dyes discharge > c : to pour forth fluid or other contents
synonyms see PERFORM
– dis · charge · able \ -j ə -b ə l \ adjective
– dis · charg · ee \ ( ˌ )dis- ˌ chär- ' j ē \ noun
– dis · charg · er \ dis- ' chär-j ə r, ' dis- ˌ \ noun