jettison

/ˈdʒetɪsn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdʒetɪsn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈje-tə-sən -zən/ (ame, mw)

jettison — verb

  • jettisonpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • jettisonshe / she / it
  • jettisonedpast simple
  • jettisoning-ing form

1. to throw away a person or thing because keeping it now feels heavy, troublesome,

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to throw away a person or thing because keeping it now feels heavy, troublesome, or no longer useful.

例句

The hikers jettisoned their wet tent before climbing the last steep hill.

jettison + object that has become a burden

After the merger, the bank jettisoned several regional brands within six months.

同義詞
  • discard

    more neutral and common for ordinary throwing away

  • dump

    more informal and often harsher in tone

  • shed

    stresses getting rid of excess weight or responsibility

反義詞
  • keep

    to continue having something instead of throwing it away

  • retain

    more formal; to deliberately continue using or owning something

文法句型

jettison + noun

jettison + old system/brand/equipment

用法筆記

The object is usually something viewed as a load or obstacle, such as extra weight, a brand, or an outdated system. Use sense 2 when what is dropped is a plan, policy, or belief.

2. to give up a plan, idea, or policy because you decide it will not help or succee

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to give up a plan, idea, or policy because you decide it will not help or succeed.

例句

After the survey, the mayor jettisoned plans for a second parking garage.

jettison + plans after new evidence

Sahil jettisoned the idea of driving and booked train tickets instead.

同義詞
  • abandon

    broader and common for leaving a plan behind completely

  • scrap

    more informal and often used for cancelling plans or rules

  • drop

    lighter and less dramatic in tone

反義詞
  • keep

    to continue with the same plan or idea

  • maintain

    to preserve a policy or position over time

文法句型

jettison + plan/policy/idea

jettison + strategy

用法筆記

This sense takes abstract objects such as plans, rules, promises, and beliefs. Use sense 1 when the object is a physical thing or another concrete burden.

3. to push cargo, fuel, or gear out of a plane or ship so it carries less weight.

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to push cargo, fuel, or gear out of a plane or ship so it carries less weight.

例句

The pilot jettisoned a fuel tank before landing on the short island runway.

jettison + fuel tank for safer landing

Crew members jettisoned damaged crates during the storm to steady the boat.

同義詞
  • dump

    less technical and often used in general speech

  • drop

    common for releasing something from the air, but less specific

  • unload

    broader and not limited to emergency weight reduction

反義詞
  • keep aboard

    to leave cargo or fuel on the ship or aircraft

文法句型

jettison + cargo/fuel/equipment

jettison + object before landing

用法筆記

Common in aviation and shipping, especially when a vehicle must become lighter for safety. The object is usually cargo, fuel, or equipment rather than a plan or system.

常見錯誤

❌The crew jettisoned off the cargo.
✅The crew jettisoned the cargo.
💡'Jettison' already includes the idea of throwing something off.

jettison — noun