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

He took them into his room and unloaded them himself.

From Literature

He supervised them briskly to unload things and take them into the master’s front room.

From Literature

Home builders are scrambling to offer new policy proposals to the White House, looking for help to unload the biggest glut of housing inventory in 15 years.

From The Wall Street Journal

The selloff has investors on edge, and on the lookout for signs it will force big firms to unload their holdings—triggering further declines in digital-coin prices.

From The Wall Street Journal

The buses from Naples arrive in a steady stream, unloading thousands of people in brightly-coloured ski outfits into the small town nestled in the mountains of central Italy.

From Barron's

Related Words

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