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Jettison Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jettison

[ˈdʒɛtɪs(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

space exploration

To jettison means to discard or eject something, usually from a spacecraft, in order to lighten the load or to make an emergency landing.

Synonyms

discard, dump, eject.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jettison

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.
discard

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.
eject

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.
dump

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.

Examples of usage

  • The crew had to jettison some equipment to conserve fuel for the return journey.
  • In case of an emergency, the spacecraft can jettison its fuel tanks to reduce weight.
Context #2 | Noun

maritime

Jettison can also refer to the act of throwing goods overboard from a ship to lighten the load in an emergency or to prevent sinking.

Synonyms

cast off, discard, throw overboard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jettison

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.
discard

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.
throw overboard

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.
cast off

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.

Examples of usage

  • The captain decided to jettison the cargo to save the ship from sinking.
  • The crew prepared to jettison the excess weight during the storm.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Maritime Language

  • Sailors historically used 'jettison' to describe the act of discarding goods to lighten ships during storms.
  • When ships were overloaded, jettisoning cargo could save the crew and vessel from sinking.
  • It often refers to necessary sacrifices to ensure survival in both sea and air travel.

Environmental Context

  • In modern context, jettison is also relevant in discussions about waste management, particularly in aviation.
  • The term can apply to the practice of discarding unloaded cargo to reduce carbon emissions during flight.
  • There are regulations regarding what can be jettisoned to minimize environmental impact.

Literature

  • The act of jettisoning is often used metaphorically in literature to describe letting go of toxic relationships or burdening thoughts.
  • In various stories, characters may 'jettison' their past to embrace a new beginning.
  • Writers frequently use the concept to illustrate personal growth and the importance of discarding the unnecessary.

Pop Culture

  • Jettison appears as a term in various films when characters must make tough choices to ensure their survival.
  • Song lyrics sometimes reference the idea of jettisoning past mistakes to move forward in life.
  • In video games, players may need to 'jettison' items to manage inventory effectively.

Origin of 'jettison'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle French 'jetter' which means 'to throw'.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'jactare', meaning 'to throw away'.
  • The term was first used in English around the 17th century, specifically in nautical contexts.

The word 'jettison' originated in the mid-15th century from the Old French word 'jeter', meaning 'to throw'. It was originally used in the context of throwing goods overboard to lighten a ship's load. Over time, the term expanded to include discarding or ejecting objects in various contexts, such as space exploration. The concept of jettisoning has been crucial in maritime and aerospace industries for centuries.

See also: jet, jetty.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,400, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.