Discharges: meaning, definitions and examples

🏥
Add to dictionary

discharges

 

[ dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒɪz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

medical context

Discharges refer to the release of a patient from a medical facility after treatment or recovery. It can also indicate the bodily fluids that may be released from a patient due to a medical condition.

Synonyms

clearance, release

Examples of usage

  • The doctor scheduled her discharges for the end of the week.
  • The patient experienced unusual discharges, prompting further examination.
  • He was grateful for the quick discharges from the hospital.
Context #2 | Verb

release context

To discharge means to release someone from a particular obligation or responsibility. In a medical sense, it refers to the act of allowing a patient to leave a hospital after treatment.

Synonyms

dismiss, exempt, release

Examples of usage

  • The hospital will discharge him once he is stable.
  • They decided to discharge the soldiers after the mission was completed.
  • She was discharged from her duties after the incident.

Etymology

The word 'discharge' originates from the Middle English 'dischargen', which means to free from a charge or obligation. It can be traced back to the Old French 'descharger', combining 'des-' (from, away) and 'charger' (to load or burden). Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings including the release of prisoners, patients from hospitals, or even the discharge of troops from military duty. The modern usage of 'discharges' has expanded to include medical, legal, and military contexts, reflecting its rich and diverse history.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,003 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.