Definition of the word discard

The word "discard" has its origins in the 14th century. It comes from the Old French word "descorder," which means "to put aside" or "to reject." This Old French word is derived from the Latin phrase "dis-cordare," which is a combination of "dis-" meaning "apart" or "away" and "cordare" meaning "to bind" or "to join." In the early 14th century, the word "discard" was borrowed into Middle English and initially meant "to put away" or "to lay aside." Over time, its meaning expanded to include "to throw away" or "to reject," which is the sense in which we use it today. The verb "discard" has been used in various contexts, including sports (e.g., discarding a card), cards (e.g., discarding a hand), and everyday life (e.g., discarding something unwanted).