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

It was Trump, however, who had set the U.S. departure from Afghanistan in motion, setting a timetable that left his successor in office with a narrow range of options.

From Los Angeles Times

It is only possible to book tickets from one departure town in a single transaction.

From BBC

The departure is another blow to a city that has been buffeted by high-profile business departures.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, Hegseth's appointment to lead the Pentagon marks a departure from previous Republican and Democratic administrations alike.

From BBC

Others noted that Gaetz’s departure from Congress also draws to a close an ongoing House ethics investigation against him.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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