discard
To get rid of something as no longer useful
Examples
In a meeting
“Let's discard outdated processes and start fresh.”
Over coffee
“You can discard those leftovers—they're from last week.”
Why this word
throw away
Discard is more formal and can apply to non-physical things like ideas or plans, while throw away typically refers to physical disposal
remove
Discard specifically means to get rid of as unwanted or useless, while remove just means to take away without implying rejection of value
eliminate
Discard suggests disposing of something tangible or specific, while eliminate often refers to removing problems, possibilities, or abstract concepts
Usage tip
Use when permanently removing or rejecting something unwanted
Etymology
French descarter meaning 'to throw out a card' from des- 'away' + carte 'card'
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Related words
backtrack
To reverse a previous decision or statement
abandon
To stop pursuing or supporting something completely
extract
To remove or pull out something specific from a larger whole
finalize
To complete or put into final form
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.