departure

[ dih-pahr-cher ]

noun

1. an act or instance of departing:

   the time of departure; a hasty departure.

   Synonyms: leave-taking, exit, going, leaving

2. divergence or deviation, as from a standard, rule, etc.:

   a departure from accepted teaching methods.

3. Navigation.
   1. the distance due east or west traveled by a vessel or aircraft.
   2. point of departure.
4. Surveying. the length of the projection, on the east-west reference line, of a survey line.
5. Archaic. death.

departure

/ dɪˈpɑːtʃə /

noun

1. the act or an instance of departing
2. a deviation or variation from previous custom; divergence
3. a project, course of action, venture, etc

   selling is a new departure for him

4. nautical
   1. the net distance travelled due east or west by a vessel
   2. Also calledpoint of departure the latitude and longitude of the point from which a vessel calculates dead reckoning
5. a euphemistic word for death

Other Words From

• nonde·parture noun
• prede·parture noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of departure¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Old French departëure; compare Anglo-French departir (noun use of infinitive). See depart, -ure

Example Sentences

“That’s one of my main goals as an actor, to bring light to people’s life, enjoyment and entertainment, a departure, an escape from the mundane realities of day-to-day life.”

From Los Angeles Times

The reasons for these departures are known in some cases, and not in others.

From BBC

Dr. Sasse cited his wife’s deteriorating health as the reason for his departure.

From New York Times

The arrest and potential removal of such collateral arrests would mark a drastic departure from the Biden administration, which has focused on public safety threats and deporting people soon after their apprehension at the border.

From BBC

When it came to the actual vote, there were signs of departures from familiar patterns.

From BBC

Related Words

• escape
• evacuation
• exit
• exodus
• flight
• passage
• removal
• retirement
• retreat
• separation
• takeoff
• walkout
• withdrawal