What does jettison mean?
To jettison something is to get rid of it quickly, often because it is heavy, dangerous, costly, or no longer useful. The word is especially associated with ships and aircraft throwing cargo, fuel, or equipment overboard during an emergency. In modern figurative usage, people jettison plans, ideas, obligations, or other burdens when they need to act decisively or simplify a situation. Its tone is formal and often somewhat ruthless: jettisoning suggests a practical decision made at a cost, rather than a considered rejection in the abstract. The related noun refers to the act of throwing something away, usually in circumstances of danger or necessity. Although the word can sound dramatic, it is used in ordinary discussions of aviation, shipping, business, and emergency procedures as well as in more metaphorical descriptions of personal or institutional decisions.
To throw or discard something, especially cargo or equipment, particularly in an emergency.
"The aircraft jettisoned its external fuel tanks to become lighter."
Common in technical and formal contexts involving ships, aircraft, spacecraft, and emergency procedures.
To abandon or reject something quickly, especially because it is inconvenient or no longer useful.
"The company jettisoned several products that were not performing well."
Figurative use often carries a sense of abruptness or necessity.
The act of throwing or discarding cargo or equipment, especially during an emergency.
"The jettison of the fuel tanks gave the aircraft a better chance of reaching the runway."
The noun is less common in everyday use than the verb.
The plural is used when referring to separate instances of throwing or discarding material.
"The investigation documented two jettisons during the flight."
From throwing cargo overboard to abandoning a plan in a crisis, jettison describes the ruthless business of getting rid of what is no longer useful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jettison come from?
The word comes through French jettison, which derives from the Old French jeter, meaning “to throw.” The English verb and noun developed in contexts involving ships and later aircraft, where equipment or cargo might be deliberately thrown overboard to prevent sinking or to reduce weight. Related English forms such as jetty and jetsam also reflect the French throwing-related root.
Related word forms
How jettison is actually used
The word is formal and often suggests a sudden or necessary disposal rather than a gradual rejection. In figurative use, it commonly refers to abandoning plans, principles, or responsibilities, and can imply that the decision is harsh or expedient.
Easily confused with jettison
Jettison is the act of throwing something away, especially cargo or equipment, while jetsam refers to the goods or debris thrown overboard or washed from a ship.