discard
UK[dɪˈskɑːd]US[dɪˈskɑːrd]
v
to get rid of something that is no longer useful or desirable
n
a person or thing that has been cast aside as no longer useful or desirable
Morpheme Breakdown
dis
card
dis
away
card
paper, playing card
Etymology
the word 'discard' originated in the 16th century from the terminology of card games. it literally meant to throw away a card from one's hand. the prefix 'dis-', from latin, imparts the sense of removal or separation. the element '-card' derives from latin 'charta' (paper), which evolved to mean a playing card. the logic of the word is transparent: to remove a card from play. this concrete action was later extended metaphorically to the general act of rejecting or disposing of anything deemed unnecessary.
Analysis
Structure: dis (away) + card (paper, playing card)
dis- (prefix of latin origin, meaning 'apart', 'away', or 'asunder'); -card (from middle english 'carde', referring to a playing card, ultimately from latin 'charta' meaning 'paper' or 'papyrus').
Examples
please discard any old files you no longer need.
in the game, you must discard before you can draw a new card.
he felt like a discard after the company restructured.