Spanish word

desechar

Pronunciation

IPA/deseˈtʃaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbthrow away

Example

Por favor, desecha la lata en el contenedor.

Please throw the can away in the container.

Illustration for desechar (throw away)

More examples

No deberías desechar esa idea sin discutirla.

You shouldn't discard that idea without discussing it.

Core concept

Red 'rejected' stamp on a paper proposal.

Common phrases

  • desechar la idea

    discard the idea

  • desechar una propuesta

    reject a proposal

  • desechar la ropa vieja

    throw away the old clothes

Similar words

tirar: Objects are disposed of by physically throwing them away.
botar: Unwanted items are tossed away in informal, colloquial speech.
echar: Unwanted objects are put into a container or place for disposal.
descartar: An idea or possibility is excluded from consideration as unsuitable.

Definition in Spanish

Tirar o eliminar algo que ya no sirve o no se quiere, y también rechazar una idea, propuesta o argumento.

Word origin

The verb combines des- (from Latin dis-) with echar, ultimately from Latin iactare 'to throw', producing the meaning of removing by throwing out or dismissing.

Usage tips

  • In legal and administrative contexts desechar commonly means to dismiss a case, motion, or proposal, so expect it in reports and news rather than casual conversation.

Other meanings

  • dispose ofverb
  • rejectverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word