discard
dis-KARD
/dɪˈskɑːrd/
To get rid of something that is no longer useful or wanted.
Often implies throwing something away or rejecting an idea.
The story behind the word. Originally a term from card games in the 1580s, meaning to 'throw away' a card from your hand that you don't want.
Word relationships
- reject: Reject is stronger and often applies to people or formal offers; discard is more about physical objects or casual ideas.
- retain: To keep or continue to have something.
Commonly confused with
- dispose: Dispose is more formal and often used with 'of' (dispose of); discard is a direct verb.
Word family
- discarded (adjective): Thrown away or rejected.
Collocations
- discard old clothes
- discard an idea
- discarded items
Example sentences
- "Please discard all plastic packaging in the designated recycling bins." Environment
- "After much debate, the committee decided to discard the original plan in favor of a more modern approach." Decision Making
Memory hook
Dis-Card: To throw away a 'Card' you don't need in a game. Throw away.
When not to use
Don't use it for people; you don't 'discard' a friend, you 'abandon' or 'end a friendship' with them.
Fun facts
- The word 'card' in discard comes from the same root as 'chart' and 'charter'.
Related words
Explore more words
discontinue, obsolete, repudiate, banish, refine, incinerate
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