Jettison: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used in situations where something is being thrown away to make something lighter or to improve efficiency, often in emergencies or special circumstances.

• The crew had to jettison excess fuel to maintain altitude.
• During the storm, the ship's cargo was jettisoned to prevent sinking.

Used when something is no longer needed, wanted, or deemed useful. Commonly used in everyday situations.

• He decided to discard his old clothes.
• The broken toys were discarded.

Commonly used in technical or formal situations where something is forcefully expelled or removed, often from a machinery or system.

• The pilot had to eject from the aircraft when it malfunctioned.
• Press the button to eject the disc from the player.

Typically used when something is being thrown away carelessly or without consideration. Can have a negative connotation if referring to littering or unwanted disposal.

• She decided to dump her old computer in the trash.
• People often dump their garbage in the woods, which is harmful to the environment.

Primarily used in nautical or aviation settings when something is thrown out to lighten the load. Can also be a metaphor for getting rid of burdens or unnecessary things.

• The crew had to jettison some supplies to keep the plane in the air.
• He decided to jettison his old habits for a healthier lifestyle.

Used when something is thrown away or gotten rid of because it is no longer useful or needed. Applies to both physical items and abstract ideas.

• He discarded the old newspapers.
• She chose to discard the advice that she felt wasn't helpful.

Typically used in nautical settings to describe the act of physically throwing something off a boat. Can also be a metaphor for abandoning something or someone suddenly.

• They had to throw cargo overboard to save the ship.
• He decided to throw his old plans overboard and start fresh.

Commonly used in sailing to describe the action of releasing a boat from its moorings. Can also refer to getting rid of something, often used in a metaphorical sense.

• The sailors cast off at dawn.
• She decided to cast off her old fears and start anew.