What does departure mean?
Departure is a noun denoting the act of leaving a place, most familiar from travel contexts such as departure times, gates, and lounges at airports and stations. Beyond this literal meaning, it carries an important figurative sense: a departure from something is a deviation or break with an established pattern, rule, or expectation, as when a writer's new book represents a departure from her earlier style. The word can also serve as a polite euphemism for death, though this use is now comparatively formal or dated. Derived from the verb depart, which traces back through Old French to Latin partire, 'to divide,' departure literally suggests a parting or separation. It is a neutral, widely used word in both British and American English, indispensable in everyday travel language as well as in more abstract discussion of change and divergence.
nounThe act of leaving a place, especially to begin a journey. Also, a deviation from what is usual, expected, or established.
- The act of leaving or going away from a place, especially to begin a journey.
- A deviation or divergence from an established course, rule, or expectation.
- (Euphemistic) A person's death.
"Her departure for London was delayed by the storm."
"Passengers are advised to arrive at least two hours before departure."
"His latest novel marks a bold departure from his usual style."
The plural is especially common in signage (e.g., a departures board) and when referring to multiple instances of leaving or deviations.
"All departures from Terminal 2 have been delayed."
Every airport sign reading 'Departures' carries a word that once meant simply 'a parting' — from Latin partire, 'to divide.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of departure
Departure derives from the verb depart, which entered English via Old French départir from Late Latin partire, meaning 'to divide' or 'to share,' itself rooted in the Latin noun pars (part). Originally, departing implied a mutual parting or separation; the modern sense of setting out on a journey developed from this notion of dividing oneself from a place or company. English shares this Latin root with words such as part, portion, and partition.
Related word forms
How departure is actually used
Neutral in tone in most travel contexts; the sense relating to death is euphemistic and somewhat old-fashioned or formal. The figurative sense ('a departure from convention') is common in critical and business writing.
Easily confused with departure
Deportment means a person's manner of behavior and bearing, while departure refers to the act of leaving or a deviation from a norm.