Quick answer
Jettison means to throw overboard or discard something deliberately and quickly. It is usually pronounced JET-ih-sun, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Jettison
To jettison means to throw overboard or discard something deliberately and quickly. It belongs to ridiculous verbs and works best in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
verbcomical-actionexpressive
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If you jettison, you to throw overboard or discard something deliberately and quickly. The verb usually suggests something more expressive, comic, or textured than a plain everyday substitute.
Why this word feels absurd
Jettison feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Jettison is generally traced to from maritime language for goods thrown overboard. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Jettison is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The interns began to jettison at once when the projector failed again.
- He jettisoned through the explanation so fast that nobody trusted the final answer.
- In the play, nervous witnesses jettison whenever the magistrate clears his throat.
- She refused to jettison about the crisis and gave the room a usable plan instead.
- The children jettisoned excitedly after finding the attic full of costumes.
When should you use this word?
Use jettison when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”.
Similar words
Bamboozle, Beclown, Jabber, Jabbernowl, Jackanapes
Opposite or contrasting words
stillness, restraint, straightforward action
Common questions
- What does jettison mean? To throw overboard or discard something deliberately and quickly.
- How do you pronounce jettison? It is commonly pronounced JET-ih-sun.
- Is jettison still used today? Jettison is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use jettison? Use jettison when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”.
- What words are similar to jettison? Similar words include Bamboozle, Beclown, Jabber, and Jabbernowl.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.