discharge

/dɪsˈtʃɑrdʒ/
noun
  1. The act of allowing someone to leave a hospital, prison, or other institution.
    • She received an honorable discharge from the military.
    • The prisoner's discharge is scheduled for next Tuesday.
    • His discharge from the hospital was delayed because of a fever.
  2. A substance, especially a liquid, that is released or sent out.
    • The patient had a thick nasal discharge from the cold.
    • The factory's discharge into the lake caused an environmental disaster.
    • The wound had a small amount of clear discharge.
  3. The release of an electrical charge from a battery or other source.
    • The capacitor stores energy until a controlled discharge is needed.
    • A sudden discharge of static electricity can damage computer components.
    • The battery's discharge rate is too fast for this device.
verb
  1. To allow someone to leave a hospital, prison, or other institution because they are officially allowed to go.
    • After serving three years, he was discharged from prison on parole.
    • The soldier was discharged from the army due to a medical condition.
    • The doctor said she could be discharged from the hospital tomorrow morning.
  2. To release or send out something, such as a liquid, gas, or electrical charge.
    • The battery will slowly discharge if you don't use it for a long time.
    • The volcano discharged a huge cloud of ash and smoke.
    • The factory was fined for discharging toxic waste into the river.
  3. To fire a gun or other weapon.
    • The hunter accidentally discharged his rifle while climbing over a fence.
    • Police officers are trained to discharge their weapons only when necessary.
    • The cannon discharged with a loud boom during the historical reenactment.
  4. To carry out or complete a duty, task, or responsibility.
    • The committee discharged its duties fairly and efficiently.
    • He promised to discharge his obligations under the contract.
    • She discharged her role as team captain with great dedication.
Antonyms