What does the term 'discharge' refer to in contract law?

In contract law, the term 'discharge' refers to the termination of a contract. When a contract is discharged, it means that the parties involved have fulfilled their obligations under the agreement, or the contract has otherwise come to an end, which frees all parties from any further obligations. This can occur through various means, such as the completion of the contract terms, mutual agreement to end the contract, a breach that leads to the contract's termination, or other legal reasons such as frustration of purpose.

Understanding discharge is crucial for both parties in a contract, as it helps clarify when each party's responsibilities cease and under what circumstances they may be held liable. The other options deal with different aspects of contracts but do not define the term 'discharge' within the context of contract law.