jettison

IPA/ˈdʒetɪsn/
KK[dʒˈɛtɪsən]IPA/ˈdʒetɪsn/

jettison — verb

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

1. to remove any person or thing that has become an unwanted burden, often to make

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to remove any person or thing that has become an unwanted burden, often to make a business or process more efficient or less complicated.

例句

The company jettisoned its entire marketing team during the restructuring.

collocation: jettison + team/department/staff

Sophia jettisoned old furniture from her apartment before moving abroad.

pattern: jettison + [unwanted belongings]

同義詞
  • discard

    more general, less dramatic — any unwanted thing, not just burdens

  • dump

    informal; suggests careless or hasty disposal

  • shed

    implies losing something gradually or naturally, not actively deciding

反義詞
  • retain

    to keep what you already have

  • keep

    most direct opposite

文法句型

jettison + noun phrase (thing/person not wanted)

用法筆記

Often used in business writing about reorganising a company or cutting costs. The object is usually something that has become a burden rather than something simply unwanted.

常見錯誤

❌The company jettisoned the old computer.' (OK but overly literal for this sense).
✅The company jettisoned its outdated manufacturing equipment.
💡this sense fits better with larger, burdensome items than everyday trash.

2. to decide to stop using or supporting an idea, plan, belief, or policy because i

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to decide to stop using or supporting an idea, plan, belief, or policy because it no longer seems useful, practical, or likely to succeed.

例句

The committee jettisoned the original proposal after seeing the detailed budget report.

collocation: jettison + proposal/plan/policy

Andrés jettisoned his plan to study abroad when his father became seriously ill.

同義詞
  • abandon

    broader and more common; works for both plans and people, but less formal-sounding

  • scrap

    suggests the plan was a failure or waste

  • drop

    informal; to stop pursuing something

反義詞
  • adopt

    to start using a new plan or idea

  • pursue

    to continue working toward a goal

文法句型

jettison + noun phrase (plan/proposal/idea)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 applies to abstract things (ideas, plans, policies), not people or physical objects. The decision is typically driven by practicality rather than a desire for simplicity.

常見錯誤

❌I jettisoned my old laptop.' (physical object — use sense 1 or a simpler verb like 'got rid of').
✅The team jettisoned the original design after the prototype failed.
💡abstract plan, fits sense 2.

3. to dispose of heavy material on board a vessel or aircraft during a dangerous si

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to dispose of heavy material on board a vessel or aircraft during a dangerous situation, making the vehicle lighter and improving its chances of staying safe.

例句

The pilot jettisoned the fuel tanks before attempting an emergency landing on the runway.

pattern: jettison + fuel/cargo for safety in emergencies

The crew jettisoned heavy cargo to keep the damaged ship afloat during the storm.

同義詞
  • dump

    less technical; used informally for releasing fuel or cargo

  • eject

    implies mechanical or explosive release

  • release

    neutral; can be planned or emergency

反義詞
  • retain

    to keep cargo or fuel aboard

  • load

    to put cargo onto a vessel

文法句型

jettison + noun phrase (cargo/fuel/equipment) from + ship/aircraft

用法筆記

This is the original, literal meaning. In aviation, jettisoning fuel (fuel dumping) is a standard emergency procedure. In spaceflight, jettisoning spent stages or fairings is routine. The object is always something that can be physically separated from the vessel.

常見錯誤

❌The hiker jettisoned his backpack to run faster.' (not a ship/aircraft context).
✅The sailors jettisoned the cargo when the boat began to sink.
💡correct maritime context.

jettison — noun