Discard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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discard

[dɪsˈkɑːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

to discard

To get rid of something that is no longer useful or wanted. It can also mean to reject or dismiss something as unimportant or unworthy.

Synonyms

abandon, dispose of, ditch, jettison, throw away.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
discard	Use this word when you want to indicate that something is no longer needed or wanted, often in a casual context. He decided to discard the old magazines. It's time to discard these worn-out shoes.
dispose of	Use this term in a formal or legal context when referring to the act of getting rid of something properly, often waste or hazardous materials. Please dispose of your trash in the designated bins. The company needs to dispose of toxic chemicals safely.
throw away	A very common and informal phrase used in everyday situations when referring to getting rid of something that is no longer needed. Don't throw away those papers, I need them. She threw away her old clothes.
jettison	Typically used in a technical or emergency context, often involving aircraft or ships. It means to throw off something to lighten the load. The crew had to jettison some cargo to stabilize the plane. They jettisoned the fuel tanks to save weight.
ditch	This word is informal and can have a slightly negative connotation. It is often used when leaving something in a hurry or without much thought. He decided to ditch school today. She ditched her old bike by the road.
abandon	This word is often used in more serious situations where leaving something behind has significant consequences. It can carry a negative connotation, particularly when referring to people. They had to abandon the sinking ship. She felt abandoned by her friends.

Examples of usage

Please discard any items that are past their expiration date.
She decided to discard his old ideas and start fresh.
The company decided to discard the proposal due to budget constraints.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

playing cards

In card games, the act of getting rid of unwanted cards from your hand to improve your chances of winning.

Synonyms

drop, get rid of, remove, shed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
discard	Use when you want to describe throwing something away, often because it is no longer needed or wanted. She decided to discard the old magazines The company discarded the outdated policies
remove	Formal term for taking something away from a place, position, or situation. Please remove your shoes before entering The manager removed the outdated files from the system
get rid of	Informal way to say that you no longer want to have something or someone, usually because it is troublesome or unwanted. I need to get rid of all these old clothes They got rid of the old furniture before moving
drop	Can be used to describe intentionally or accidentally letting something fall, or to stop being involved with something or someone. I accidentally dropped my phone They decided to drop the entire project due to budget cuts
shed	Often used when talking about losing or releasing something naturally, like hair, leaves, or weight. The trees shed their leaves every autumn She has shed a lot of weight recently

Examples of usage

After drawing a new card, she had to choose a card to discard.
He discarded the joker in order to pick up a better card.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Holding on to items can be linked to emotional attachment, making the act of discarding difficult for many.
Studies show that people often feel relief and a sense of empowerment after decluttering their spaces.
The idea of 'letting go' through discarding can also be a metaphor for emotional well-being, promoting mental clarity.

Environmental Impact

Global waste production has increased, making the act of discarding items a significant contributor to landfills.
Recycling initiatives encourage people to discard items responsibly, promoting sustainability.
Innovative methods such as upcycling aim to transform discarded materials into new products, reducing environmental impact.

Art and Culture

Some artists explore the theme of discarding in their works, questioning societal values about materialism and waste.
Creation of art from discarded materials highlights the artistic potential in what many would throw away.
Discarding items can symbolize shedding the old to make space for new influences or ideas in cultural movements.

Literature

In many novels, characters often find themselves discarding their past, symbolizing growth and change.
Classic literature explores themes of attachment and the struggle to discard societal expectations.
Famous quotes about discarding illustrate the philosophical interpretations of letting go and moving forward.

Origin of 'discard'

Main points about word origin

The word 'discard' comes from the Old French 'descarder', meaning to get rid of something or to not use it anymore.
The prefix 'dis-' indicates removal or reversal, while 'card' relates to cards or items that can be cast aside.
In medieval card games, to discard meant to throw away cards not useful for the game, showcasing early usage.

The word 'discard' originated in the mid-16th century from the Latin word 'discarded', which means 'thrown away'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of getting rid of something unwanted or no longer useful. The concept of discarding unwanted playing cards in card games emerged in the late 18th century. Today, 'discard' is commonly used in everyday language to denote the act of disposing of or rejecting something.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,278, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12275 ripening
12276 disrupt
12277 classifying
12278 discard
12279 disparate
12280 electronically
12281 clustered
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