What does discard mean?
"Discard" is a verb meaning to get rid of something — whether by physically throwing it away or by rejecting it as no longer useful, relevant, or desirable. It can refer to tangible objects (old clothes, broken tools, spoiled food) as well as intangible ones (an outdated theory, a failed plan, a bad habit). The word carries a slightly more formal tone than "throw away," making it common in writing about policy, design, science, and everyday decluttering alike. In card games, it has a specific technical meaning: to play a card from a suit other than the one led. The term entered English in the late sixteenth century from the world of cards — combining "dis-" (apart, away) with "card" — before broadening into general use. Its noun form refers both to something discarded and to the pile where discarded cards go. Because it implies deliberate rejection rather than accidental loss, "discard" often carries a note of finality: what is discarded is meant to be left behind for good.
To get rid of something that is no longer wanted or useful; to throw away or reject. Also, in card games, to play a card from one's hand that does not follow suit.
"The committee decided to discard the proposal entirely and start over."
Often used figuratively as well as literally; slightly formal compared to "throw away."
Something that has been thrown away or rejected; also, in card games, the act or result of discarding, or the pile of discarded cards.
"The charity shop sorted through the discards left at the door."
As a plural noun, "discards" typically refers to multiple items that have been thrown away or set aside.
"The tailor kept a box of fabric discards for patching."
Every time you discard something, you're echoing an old card game move — literally casting a card out of your hand.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of discard
"Discard" originated in the late sixteenth century as a term from card games, formed from the prefix "dis-" (meaning apart or away) combined with "card." It originally referred specifically to throwing a card out of one's hand during play. Over time its use widened to cover getting rid of anything unwanted, not just cards. The root "card" itself traces back through Old French "carte" and Latin "charta" (a leaf of paper), which ultimately derives from Greek "khartēs." Related words sharing this lineage include "carte blanche," "chart," and "charter."
Related word forms
How discard is actually used
Commonly used with physical objects but also applied figuratively to ideas, plans, or habits. Slightly more formal register than "throw away." In card-game contexts it is a technical term.
Easily confused with discard
"Discord" means conflict or disagreement, while "discard" means to throw away or reject something.