unload

[ uhn-lohd ]

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.

verb (used without object)

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

unload

/ 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)

Derived Forms

• unˈloader, noun

Other Words From

• un·loader noun
• self-un·loading adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of unload¹

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

Example Sentences

The storm responsible for the predicted snow is the same one that unloaded up to nine feet of snow in the mountains of California and is poised to sweep through the Plains and Midwest through Sunday.

From Washington Post

It’s of how he let the boy touch the unloaded gun one time, to satisfy his curiosity, and how he saw his son come to understand the complex realities of police work.

From Washington Post

Massive aluminum shipping containers are unloaded from planes and are loaded onto dollies, which pull them up to one of several lines in the input area.

From ProPublica

Namely, the trust structure means that Grayscale must sell first dibs on shares in the trust only to wealthy investors, who can then unload them on the public market after a year.

From Fortune

According to several accounts, as a young museum employee, she helped unload or catalogue early deliveries of trophy art from Germany.

From Washington Post

A punching bag as treasury secretary, Geithner finally gets to unload in ‘Stress Test.’

From The Daily Beast

After the exam, they often invite applicants to unload any mental burdens they might be carrying.

From The Daily Beast

Obama hangs on to his lead in swing states, especially Ohio, as Romney aides unload on Chris Christie.

From The Daily Beast

I have the sense that Palin would really like to unload on Mitt and campaign for Newt.

From The Daily Beast

Which is why it was refreshing to see former Utah governor Jon Huntsman unload on rivals for appealing to the fringes.

From The Daily Beast

Three times that morning we had to unload the mules, hand the packs across the obstructions, and load again on the further side.

From Project Gutenberg

Alice returned to her new companion, and Edward and Pablo continued to unload the cart.

From Project Gutenberg

This is our first experience with la porteuse, and we wait for her to stoop, camel-like, to unload.

From Project Gutenberg

The merchants began to unload their goods, in order to sell or exchange them.

From Project Gutenberg

Wasn't it pleasant to unload, and deposit all things in a place of safety!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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