discharge
verb (used with object)
to relieve of a charge or load; unload.
were discharging
-
past progressiveof discharge.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The foundation grabbed the national spotlight in 1989 when it went after two large paper mills in Humboldt Bay that were discharging toxic wastewater into an excellent surfspot in Northern California.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 25, 2026
Two storm discharge pipes, at Southsea East and Stokes Bay, were discharging for more than 24 hours.
From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2022
At the same time, hospitals were discharging patients to free up beds and adding new ones, and the public was starting to embrace social-distancing measures to stem the spread of infection.
From Washington Times ● Apr. 29, 2020
SPU dispatched its Stormwater Source Control Team to investigate a report that the showers and fish-cleaning sink were discharging “prohibited substances to local receiving waters,” according to SPU’s letter.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 29, 2014
Already several natives were setting off in chase, while others were discharging their firearms at the animal, though at the risk of killing the man.
From James Braithwaite, the Supercargo The Story of his Adventures Ashore and Afloat by Thomas Cantrell Dugdale
