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

Kitty has a lot of baggage, including the area’s most famous criminal for a father, but Beth, who enlists her for the band, will help her unload it.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Tanguy said the scheme allowed people to "have that space and they can connect and unload".

From BBC

It will be taken by storage ships to be unloaded at docks in the U.S., he added.

From Barron's

“It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States.”

From MarketWatch

Many with lower incomes have unloaded their lots to investors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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