Definition

Noun: A formal release from military service granted to a service member who has met or exceeded the required standards of conduct and performance. It signifies a commendable record of service.

Usage

This term is used specifically in military and veteran contexts to describe a type of separation from service. It is an official designation on a service member's discharge papers (DD Form 214 in the U.S.). Possessing an honorable discharge typically qualifies a veteran for certain benefits.

Examples

• The sergeant received an honorable discharge after twenty years of dedicated service.
• Veterans with an honorable discharge are eligible for educational benefits under the GI Bill.
• His military record shows an honorable discharge.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often contrasted with other types of administrative separations, such as a "general discharge" or a "dishonorable discharge," which carry different connotations and consequences for benefits.
• In legal and benefits contexts, the specific characterization of service (e.g., "under honorable conditions") is critically important.

Variants and Related Words

• Discharge (noun): The general term for release from military service. An "honorable discharge" is one type.
• DD-214 (noun): The U.S. Department of Defense form that documents a service member's separation, including the type of discharge received.

Synonyms

• Release under honorable conditions
• Commendable separation (context-specific)

Antonyms

• Dishonorable discharge
• Bad conduct discharge
• Other than honorable discharge

Noun

1. a discharge from the armed forces with a commendable record