shed2

 
Pronunciation: /ʃɛd/

verb (sheds, shedding; past and past participle shed)

[with object]
  • 1(of a tree or other plant) allow (leaves or fruit) to fall to the ground: both varieties shed leaves in winter
  • (of a reptile, insect, etc.) allow (its skin or shell) to come off, to be replaced by another one that has grown underneath.
  • (of a mammal) lose (hair) as a result of moulting, disease, or age.
  • take off (clothes): we shed our jackets
  • have the property of repelling (water or a similar substance).
  • 2discard (something undesirable, superfluous, or outdated): many firms use relocation as an opportunity to shed jobs
  • 3cast or give off (light): the full moon shed a watery light on the scene
  • 4British accidentally allow (something) to fall off or spill: a lorry shed its load of steel bars
  • 5eliminate part of (an electrical power load) by disconnecting circuits.

Phrases

shed (someone's) blood

be injured or killed (or kill or injure someone).

shed light on

see light1.

shed tears

weep; cry.

Origin:

Old English sc(e)ādan 'separate out (one selected group), divide', also 'scatter', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and German scheiden. Compare with sheath