Definition of: discharge

(dis·chärj′) v. ·charged, ·charg·ing v.t.
1. To unload; remove the contents of: to discharge a ship.
2. To remove or send forth: to discharge passengers or cargo.
3. To send forth; emit (fluid).
4. To shoot or fire, as a gun, bow, shot, or arrow.
5. To dismiss from office; fire.
6. To release; set at liberty, as a prisoner, soldier, or patient.
7. To relieve of duty or obligation: to discharge a jury.
8. To perform or fulfil the functions and duties of (a trust, office, etc.).
9. To pay (a debt) or meet and satisfy (an obligation or duty).
10. In dyeing, to remove (color) from textiles.
11. Obs. To free of blame or accusation.
12. Electr. To free of an electrical charge.
—v.i.
13. To get rid of a load, burden, etc.
14. To go off, as a cannon.
15. To give or send forth contents: The wound discharges constantly.
16. Electr. To lose a charge of electricity. See synonyms under ABSOLVE, ACCOMPLISH, BANISH, CANCEL, DELIVER, PAY, RELEASE.
—noun (also dis′chärj)
1. The act of removing a load or charge.
2. A firing of a weapon; a release of a missile.
3. An emission; ejection; an issuing forth.
4. The rate or amount of outflow.
5. That which is discharged or released, as blood from a wound.
6. A relieving or freeing from burden or obligation.
7. The payment of a debt.
8. Fulfilment; execution: the discharge of one's duty.
9. Release or dismissal from service, employment, or custody.
10. Something which releases or dismisses, as a certificate separating one from military service.
11. Electr. a The equalization of difference of potential between terminals of a condenser or of a current source, when connected by a conductor, or placed in very near contact. b The removal of an electrostatic charge, as from a Leyden jar, a battery, etc. [<OF deschargier <des- away (<L dis-) + chargier CHARGE]
—dis·charge′a·ble adjective
—dis·charg′er noun