unload

American  

[uhn-lohd] / ʌnˈloʊd /

verb (used with object)

1. to take the load from; remove the cargo or freight from.

   to unload a truck; to unload a cart.

2. to remove or discharge (a load, group of people, etc.).

   to unload passengers.

3. to remove the charge from (a firearm).

4. to relieve of anything burdensome, oppressive, etc..

   He unloaded his responsibilities.

5. to get rid of (goods, shares of stock, etc.) by sale in large quantities.

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verb (used without object)

1. to unload something.

2. Informal. to relieve one's stress by talking, confessing, or the like.

unload British  

/ ʌnˈləʊd /

verb

1. to remove a load or cargo from (a ship, lorry, etc)

2. to discharge (cargo, freight, etc)

3. (tr) to relieve of a burden or troubles

4. (tr) to give vent to (anxiety, troubles, etc)

5. (tr) to get rid of or dispose of (esp surplus goods)

6. (tr) to remove the charge of ammunition from (a firearm)

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Other Word Forms

• self-unloading adjective
• unloader noun

Etymology

Origin of unload

First recorded in 1515–25; un- ² + load

Example Sentences

The power cuts also affected the operation of Ukraine's three operational nuclear plants, which had to "unload" their capacity following the outage, the energy ministry said.

From Barron's

Mexico’s last shipment, 85,000 barrels on the tanker Ocean Mariner, was unloaded in Cuba on Jan 9.

From The Wall Street Journal

This network of pipes and huge storage tanks connects to a port where ships unload crude to be refined into gasoline and diesel for the Venezuelan market.

From Barron's

She sets it on the table and unloads containers filled with tamales and rice and beans and chips and salsa.

From Literature

Many feel they have no choice but to lower prices to unload inventory, eating into profits.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• clear out
• discharge
• disgorge
• dump
• get rid of
• jettison
• off-load
• remove
• unpack