discharge
C1Formal & Technical
Definition
Meaning
To release, dismiss, or let go from something (like a job, duty, hospital, or container).
To carry out or perform one's duty, obligation, or function; also, the substance or process released.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Has distinct but related meanings: 1. To release/send away (e.g., a patient, soldier). 2. To perform a duty. 3. To emit or let out (liquid, electricity). 4. To fire a weapon. The noun form often refers to the substance released or the act of releasing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. Pronunciation differs mainly in the final 'r' in American English. Both use all meanings, but legal/medical contexts are more prominent in UK English.
Connotations
In both: Medical 'discharge' is neutral. Military 'dishonourable discharge' is severe. In finance/legal contexts, it implies release from obligation.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK legal/medical texts; common in both varieties in technical contexts (engineering, medicine).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
discharge [someone] from [somewhere/institution]discharge [duty/responsibility]discharge [something] into [something]be discharged [into/from/with]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dishonourable discharge (severe military dismissal)”
- “discharge one's responsibilities (fulfil duties)”
- “get one's discharge papers (be officially released)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company will discharge its liabilities by the end of the quarter.
Academic
Rivers discharge significant amounts of sediment into the ocean.
Everyday
The doctor said they might discharge her from hospital tomorrow.
Technical
The capacitor can discharge its stored energy rapidly.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- His discharge from the army was honourable.
- There was a visible electrical discharge during the storm.
- The sewage discharge polluted the bay.
American English
- She received her discharge papers from the Navy.
- The doctor ordered a follow-up after hospital discharge.
- The capacitor's discharge was measured in joules.
verb
British English
- The hospital will discharge the patient once stable.
- He failed to discharge his duties as a director.
- The factory was fined for discharging chemicals into the river.
American English
- The soldier was dishonorably discharged.
- The judge discharged the jury after the trial.
- The battery discharges quickly in cold weather.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor said I can go home tomorrow. I will be discharged.
- After the accident, he was discharged from the hospital a week later.
- The company discharged its environmental obligations by funding a clean-up project.
- The court's ruling effectively discharged him from any further liability in the matter.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The DIS-charged battery was let go from its duty of holding power.'
Conceptual Metaphor
OBLIGATION/PRESSURE AS CONTAINER LIQUID ('discharge a debt'), PERSON AS OBJECT TO BE RELEASED ('discharge a patient').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'разрядка' for emotional relaxation – 'discharge' is not used this way.
- Do not confuse with 'разряд' (rank) – 'discharge' is about release, not hierarchy.
- Russian 'выписка' (from hospital) translates directly to 'discharge'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'discharge' for resigning voluntarily (use 'resign').
- Using it as a synonym for 'fire' in non-military/legal contexts (too formal).
- Confusing noun/verb stress: verb is /dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒ/, noun can also be /ˈdɪstʃɑːdʒ/ in some contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In a medical context, 'discharge' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is formal in most contexts (legal, medical, military). In everyday speech, simpler words like 'release' or 'let go' are often used.
Primarily in formal/official contexts (military, court-appointed roles). For ordinary jobs, 'dismiss' or 'fire' is more common.
'Discharge' implies a formal, official, or complete release from an obligation, institution, or container. 'Release' is broader and more general.
In British English: /dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒ/. In American English: /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/. The main difference is the rhotic 'r' sound in the American version.