unload

[ uhn-lohd ]
See synonyms for: unloadunloaded on Thesaurus.com

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.

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

  2. to relieve of anything burdensome, oppressive, etc.: He unloaded his responsibilities.

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

verb (used without object)
  1. to unload something.

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

Origin of unload

1
First recorded in 1515–25; un-2 + load

Other words from unload

  • un·load·er, noun
  • self-un·load·ing, adjective

Words Nearby unload

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use unload in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for unload

unload

/ (ʌnˈləʊd) /


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

  2. to discharge (cargo, freight, etc)

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

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

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

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

Derived forms of unload

  • unloader, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012