discharge
UK: dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒ | US: dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ
v. to release or let go (e.g., from duty, a container, or obligation)
v. to emit or expel (e.g., liquid, electricity, or a projectile)
n. the act of releasing or being released (e.g., from military service or a hospital)
n. the flow of electricity or fluid
The word "discharge" combines the Latin-derived prefix dis- (meaning "apart" or "away") with the root charge, from Old French charger ("to load," from Latin carricare). Originally, it referred to unloading cargo or weapons (e.g., discharging a ship or firearm). Over time, it expanded metaphorically to include releasing obligations (e.g., discharging debt), emitting substances (e.g., discharging waste), and even medical contexts (e.g., discharging a patient). The logic ties to the core idea of "removing a burden."
The factory was fined for illegally discharging pollutants into the river.
The soldier received an honorable discharge after 10 years of service.
The battery can discharge energy rapidly when fully charged.
The doctor will discharge the patient tomorrow if test results are normal.
Lightning occurs when clouds discharge electricity.