Discard: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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• The company discarded the outdated policies

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• The manager removed the outdated files from the system

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

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

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