verb / noun

discharge

The fulfillment or removal of an obligation.

She discharges her duties with care and attention every day.

Etymology

The older verb means to unload. Discharging a duty removes its figurative weight from someone by fulfilling it, just as unloading removes a physical burden.

More examples

This payment discharges your obligation under the contract.
The court approves the discharge of her remaining debts.
He acts honestly in the discharge of his duties.

Forms

discharge · discharges · discharged · discharging

Similar words

fulfill: Fulfill emphasizes completing a duty rather than removing it.
settle: Settle usually concerns resolving debts, payments, or disputes.
cancel: Cancel removes an obligation without necessarily requiring its fulfillment.