discard
dih-SKARD
/dɪˈskɑːrd/
To get rid of someone or something as no longer useful or desirable.
Implies a conscious decision to reject or throw away something that once had utility, often used in card games (throwing away a card).
The story behind the word. The word 'discard' was born at the card table in the late 16th century. It literally meant to play a card from your hand that you didn't want (dis- + card). Over time, the word escaped the card game and became a general term for throwing away anything useless.
Word relationships
- throw away: Throw away is the common, phrasal verb equivalent, while discard is more formal and precise.
- reject: Reject implies refusing to accept something offered, whereas discard implies getting rid of something you already possess.
- retain: Retain means to keep possession of something, while discard means to throw it away.
- keep: Keep is the casual equivalent of retain, representing the opposite of discarding.
Commonly confused with
- dispose: Dispose (usually 'dispose of') is a broader term that can include selling or donating, while discard specifically means throwing away as waste.
Word family
- discarded (adjective): Thrown away or rejected.
Collocations
- discard waste
- properly discard
- discarded packaging
- discarded clothing
Example sentences
- "We do not discard a garment because it is soiled." An inspiring quote about personal growth. (The Story of My Life by Helen Keller)
- "Please discard the protective plastic film before using the appliance." Instructions for using a product.
Memory hook
Imagine playing a card game and throwing away a bad 'card'—you 'dis' (dismiss) the 'card'. Discard: Dismiss the card you don't want.
When not to use
Do not use 'discard' when you mean 'lose' or 'drop' accidentally. Discarding is always an intentional act.
Fun facts
- The earliest recorded use of 'discard' in English dates back to 1586, specifically referring to a game of cards called 'Mawe'.
Explore more words
discontinue, obsolete, repudiate, banish, refine, incinerate
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