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 called: point of departure. the latitude and longitude of the point from which a vessel calculates dead reckoning

5. a euphemistic word for death

Other Word Forms

• nondeparture noun
• predeparture 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's been a very unsettling six months for Liverpool since the departure of former manager Matt Beard.

From BBC

Change has been in the wind at Spurs in recent months, leading to speculation about future ownership, but Levy's departure - from the role he has held since 2001 - was a seismic moment.

From BBC

Among the restructuring plans were financial terms for the departures of five officials at a total cost of £1.035m.

From BBC

Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman announced the departure of Schumacher, who serves as Disney Theatrical Group’s chief creative officer, in an email to staff, calling it “the end of an era.”

From Los Angeles Times

While Clinton's departure would no doubt be a blow, United can take confidence from their ability to attract Park, who has made an equally strong impression in recent years.

From BBC

Related Words

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