AWOL

or awol, A.W.O.L., a.w.o.l.

[ pronounced as initials or ey-wawl, ey-wol ]

adjective

1. away from military duties without permission, but without the intention of deserting.

noun

1. a soldier or other military person who is absent from duty without leave.

AWOL

/ ˈeɪwɒl /

adjective

1. military absent without leave; absent from one's post or duty without official permission but without intending to desert

Word History and Origins

Origin of AWOL¹

First recorded in 1915–20; A(bsent) W(ith)o(ut) L(eave)

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. go AWOL,
   1. to depart from military duty without leave.
   2. to absent oneself without explanation.

More idioms and phrases containing AWOL

see absent without leave .

Example Sentences

The Hamas massacre was a pre-enactment in microcosm of the destruction of Israel: the Israel Defense Forces in disarray, the government AWOL, civilians left to fend for themselves with pistols.

From Los Angeles Times

It was unclear Monday if the soldier is considered absent without leave, or AWOL.

From Seattle Times

Republican Nancy Mace asked: "When a soldier goes AWOL...what happens? What is the punishment?"

From BBC

Can you take us inside James's head when he does go AWOL?

From Salon

Weather officials had been warning Californians about the wrath of El Niño for months — even as some residents had begun to think the typically soaking climate pattern had gone AWOL.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breakout
• departure
• desertion
• disappearance
• flight
• freedom
• liberation
• outbreak
• rescue
• withdrawal