leave-taking

[ leev-tey-king ]

noun

1. a saying farewell; a parting or goodbye; departure:

   His leave-taking was brief.

leave-taking

noun

1. the act of departing; a farewell

Word History and Origins

Origin of leave-taking¹

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75

Example Sentences

The clip did not directly address his leave-taking from Fox or the reasons for it.

From Washington Times

The book and show proceed with a classical sequence familiar from the “Iliad” — leave-taking, combat, mourning — but the men and women in these pictures are emotionally open, touchingly individual and markedly of their time.

From New York Times

“She was as radiant and knowledgeable and fascinated about politics as ever I remember,” Mr. Johnson said of their leave-taking.

From New York Times

To see someone simply disappear feels even worse than if there is a ceremonial leave-taking, sad as that is.

From Washington Post

“Of all horrid things, leave-taking is the worst.”

From Literature

Related Words

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