debark

UK: dɪˈbɑːk | US: dɪˈbɑːrk

Definition

  1. vt. to unload passengers or goods from a ship or aircraft

  2. vi. to leave a ship or aircraft after a journey

Structure
de <remove>bark <ship>de <remove>bark <ship>
Etymology

The word debark combines the Latin prefix de- (indicating reversal or removal) with bark (an old term for a small ship). Originally used in nautical contexts, it literally meant "to remove from a ship." Over time, its usage expanded to include exiting any vessel (e.g., aircraft). The logic is straightforward: de- undoes the action of being on a bark.

Examples

  1. Passengers will debark at the next port.

  2. The crew debarked the cargo swiftly.

  3. After a long voyage, we finally debarked in Lisbon.

  4. The airline requires passengers to debark via the rear exit.

  5. Soldiers debarked from the transport ship under cover of darkness.