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Definition discharge in British English

discharge verb

verb
/dɪsˈtʃɑː(r)dʒ/
1

to be officially allowed or forced to leave an institution such as a hospital, a prison, or the army

Example

The child was taken to hospital but was later discharged.

Example

After he was discharged from the army, he had intended to return to the world of teaching.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

if someone who has been accused of a crime is discharged, they are judged to be not guilty and officially allowed to leave prison or a court of law

Example

Baker was discharged after the evidence against her was found to be flawed.

Synonyms and related words
1.2

to allow or force someone to leave an official job or position

Example

Judge Richard Groves discharged the jury after it had failed to reach a verdict.

Example

Mr Givens was discharged from the committee and replaced by Mr Benton.

Synonyms and related words
2

to allow liquid or gas to leave a place, especially when this has harmful effects

Example

Many cities discharge their sewage into the sea without treating it at all.

Example

The mercury had been discharged from a local chemical plant.

Synonyms and related words
3

to do everything that needs to be done to perform a duty or responsibility

Synonyms and related words
4

to fire a weapon

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5

to pay what you owe to someone

Example

He died owing the bank £10,000, and his widow was unable to discharge the debt.

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6

if something discharges electricity, or if electricity is discharged, it flows out of that thing

Synonyms and related words
Definition discharge in British English