jettison
C1Formal / Technical
Definition
Meaning
To throw or drop something from a ship, aircraft, or vehicle, especially to lighten its load or in an emergency.
To discard, abandon, or get rid of something as unnecessary or burdensome.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word originates in a nautical/aviation context (discarding physical cargo) but is now most commonly used metaphorically for discarding ideas, plans, or obligations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Both use it primarily in formal and metaphorical contexts.
Connotations
Suggests a deliberate, sometimes drastic, action taken for pragmatic reasons, often under pressure.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English, but widely understood and used in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] jettisons [Direct Object] (from [Origin])[Subject] jettisons [Direct Object] in order to [Infinitive]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To jettison all ballast (figurative: to get rid of everything holding you back)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The new CEO decided to jettison the unprofitable division."
Academic
"The researcher was forced to jettison her initial hypothesis."
Everyday
"We had to jettison our holiday plans due to the storm."
Technical
"The pilot may jettison fuel in an emergency landing situation."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The crew were ordered to jettison the fuel over the sea.
- The party will likely jettison its more radical policies before the election.
American English
- The spacecraft had to jettison its first-stage booster.
- The company jettisoned its old branding in favor of a modern look.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable
American English
- Not applicable
adjective
British English
- Not applicable
American English
- Not applicable
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Simplified concept) The boat was too heavy, so they threw some boxes into the sea.
- The captain ordered the crew to jettison the cargo to save the ship.
- The government was forced to jettison its controversial tax reform plans.
- In order to streamline the organisation, management decided to jettison several layers of middle management.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a JET plane's SON (jet's son) throwing heavy bags out of the cockpit to fly faster. JET + SON = JETTISON = to throw out.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/PLANS ARE CARGO; GETTING RID OF IDEAS IS THROWING CARGO OVERBOARD.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation to "выбросить" as it's too general. "Jettison" implies a strategic or forced discard. Not a synonym for "уничтожить" (destroy).
Common Mistakes
- Using it for simple disposal of rubbish (too strong). Confusing spelling: 'jettison' not 'jetison'. Using it without an object (incorrect: "They decided to jettison." vs. "They decided to jettison the proposal.").
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the use of 'jettison' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but cautiously and usually in a metaphorical or impersonal business context (e.g., 'jettison staff', 'jettison the team'). It can sound callous if applied to individuals directly.
Yes, it is primarily used in formal, journalistic, business, and technical contexts. It would sound unusual in very casual conversation.
The act itself is 'jettison' (uncountable noun: 'the jettison of fuel'). The items thrown overboard are also called 'jettison' in maritime law ('jetsam' is a related term).
No. Its metaphorical use (discarding plans, ideas, principles) is now more common than its literal physical use.