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Jettisoning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jettisoning

[ˈdʒɛtɪsənɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

discarding cargo

Jettisoning refers to the act of deliberately throwing overboard goods or cargo from a vessel or an aircraft. This practice is often employed in emergency situations to lighten the load and ensure the safety of the transport when it becomes unstable or is at risk of capsizing. The term can also refer to the act of discarding something that is no longer deemed necessary or useful. It is commonly associated with maritime activities but is also applicable in a broader context, including metaphorical usage related to ideas or responsibilities.

Synonyms

abandon, cast off, discard, dump, shed.

Examples of usage

  • The crew had to jettison the cargo to prevent the ship from sinking.
  • In a storm, jettisoning some supplies was the only way to save the crew.
  • He decided to jettison his old beliefs in pursuit of new ideas.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In popular films, characters often 'jettison' their baggage—both literal and emotional—to move forward.
  • The song 'Jettison' by the band The 25th reflects themes of letting go and freeing oneself from burdens.
  • Space movies often showcase the idea of 'jettisoning' fuel tanks or unnecessary equipment to save a spacecraft.

Science

  • In physics, jettisoning objects can demonstrate concepts of motion; lighter spacecraft can navigate better in orbit.
  • Marine engineering discusses jettisoning ballast to stabilize ships during rough weather, ensuring safety and balance.
  • In ecology, jettisoning invasive species from ecosystems is crucial for protecting native wildlife.

Psychology

  • Mental 'jettisoning' can refer to the act of letting go of negative thoughts or emotions for better mental health.
  • Therapeutic practices encourage people to jettison harmful habits, helping to promote healthier lifestyles.
  • The concept of 'cognitive jettisoning' explains how focusing on positive experiences can lighten emotional burden.

Literature

  • In many novels, characters must 'jettison' parts of their past to embark on a new journey or transformation.
  • Poets often use the metaphor of jettisoning to describe the shedding of burdensome feelings or memories.
  • Classic literature often explores themes of letting go, where protagonists must jettison relationships that hold them back.

Origin of 'jettisoning'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'jactare,' meaning 'to throw.' Its use suggests a deliberate action of discarding.
  • The term has evolved in English from nautical origins, where it referred to throwing cargo overboard in emergencies.
  • Interestingly, 'jettison' is often used in legal contexts to describe the act of rightfully abandoning an obligation.

The word 'jettison' originates from the late Middle English term 'jetteson', which itself comes from the Old French 'jettison', derived from the verb 'jeter', meaning 'to throw'. This Old French term can be traced further back to the Latin 'jacere', which means 'to throw' or 'to cast'. Historically, the practice of jettisoning cargo has roots in maritime activities, particularly during dangerous voyages where ships would have to discard excess weight to prevent capsizing or sinking. The term evolved over time and has since been adopted in various contexts, including aviation and metaphorical uses related to shedding unnecessary burdens in life or work.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,109, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.