- Today's Word
Jettison
[JET-uh-suhn]
Definition
- (verb) To throw or drop something from a ship, aircraft, or vehicle, especially to lighten the load in an emergency. In a broader sense, it’s used to describe the act of discarding, abandoning, or getting rid of something unwanted or unnecessary.
Example
When the startup began to struggle, the CEO decided to jettison several unprofitable projects to keep the company afloat.
Fun Fact
The word “jettison” has nautical origins, dating back to the early 15th century. It comes from the Anglo-French “jetteson,” derived from Latin “jactare” meaning “to throw.” Originally, it referred specifically to the act of throwing goods overboard to lighten a ship’s load during a storm or other perilous situations. This practice was so common that it led to the development of maritime laws regarding the recovery of jettisoned goods. Over time, the word’s usage expanded beyond maritime contexts, becoming a metaphor for discarding any burden or unnecessary element. Its evolution from a specific nautical term to a broader concept demonstrates how language adapts and extends meanings across different domains.
(verb) To coax or persuade someone into doing something through flattery, soft words, or gentle persistent manipulation.
She had wheedled the extension out of her professor so smoothly that he’d agreed before he realized he’d been asked — which was precisely the point.