discharge

To officially allow or order someone to leave an institution, hospital, or military service.

• The doctor discharged the patient after confirming that the infection had cleared.

• Were you discharged from the hospital on Friday or on Saturday?

To release a liquid, gas, or other substance into the surrounding environment.

• The factory discharges treated wastewater directly into the river each evening.

• Does the volcano still discharge steam and ash every few hours?

To fulfill a formal obligation, perform a duty, or pay off a legal debt.

• The executor worked diligently to discharge all legal obligations outlined in the will.

• Bankruptcy cannot discharge certain student loans without a clear demonstration of hardship.

To fire a device that shoots something out, such as a gun or a starter pistol.

• The race official discharged a starter pistol to begin the marathon.

• Did the confetti cannon discharge on time at the end of the concert?

An official release or dismissal from an institution, hospital, or military service.

• The patient received a sudden discharge following an unexpected improvement in her health.

• She is waiting for her discharge from the rehabilitation center next week.

The release of a substance, or the liquid or gas that is emitted.

• Inspectors discovered an illegal chemical discharge flowing into the local canal.

• Heavy rain caused a discharge of muddy water from the drainage pipe.

The release of stored electrical energy.

• A lightning bolt is a huge electrical discharge between a cloud and the ground.

• Static discharge can easily damage delicate electronic components during maintenance.