the sudden giving off of energy
"The thunderclap was so loud it felt like a massive discharge of energy from the storm clouds above us."
electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
"The scientist adjusted the voltage to observe the blue discharge jumping across the gap between the electrodes."
the pouring forth of a fluid
"After weeks of antibiotics, the doctor was finally able to discharge the thick yellow pus from his infected wound."
the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)
"After twenty years of loyal service, the CEO was finally discharged from his position yesterday."
the act of discharging a gun
"The hunter waited for a perfect moment before he discharged his rifle at the distant target."
Pus or exudate (other than blood) from a wound or orifice, usually due to infection or pathology.
"The doctor warned that any increase in yellow discharge from the cut would signal an infection requiring immediate treatment."
In plain English: Discharge is the act of releasing something, like water from a pipe or air from a balloon.
"The hospital discharge was delayed due to a shortage of beds."
Usage: As a noun, discharge refers specifically to fluid leaking from a wound or body opening, such as pus from an infected cut. Use this term only in medical or biological contexts; do not use it for general release or payment of duties.
remove the charge from
"The technician used a grounded tool to safely discharge the capacitor before replacing it."
release from military service
"After serving four years, he finally received his discharge and returned home to start a new life."
To accomplish or complete, as an obligation.
"The volunteer team worked tirelessly to discharge their duty before the storm hit."
In plain English: To discharge something means to release it, such as letting water out of a container or firing a weapon.
"The hospital nurse discharged the patient after his recovery was complete."
Usage: Use discharge to mean fulfilling a duty, such as paying a bill or completing a task, rather than simply releasing someone from a job or sending them away. It emphasizes the successful completion of an obligation or responsibility.
The word discharge entered English via the path of Middle English and Old French before arriving in its current form. Originally meaning "to unload," it has retained that core sense while also developing other related meanings over time.