departure
UK: dɪˈpɑːtʃə | US: dɪˈpɑːrtʃər
n. the act of leaving a place, especially to start a journey
n. a deviation from an accepted or traditional course of action
n. (aviation) the scheduled time at which an aircraft begins its journey
The word "departure" originates from Old French departir, meaning "to divide or separate." It combines the prefix de- (indicating reversal or removal) with partir (to divide or leave). Over time, the meaning shifted from literal division to the act of leaving a place, influenced by Latin dispartire (to separate). The suffix -ure nominalizes the action, solidifying its modern sense of "the act of departing."
Her sudden departure left everyone in shock.
The train's departure was delayed due to bad weather.
This policy marks a significant departure from tradition.
Passengers must check in at least an hour before departure.
The novel’s plot takes a dramatic departure in the final chapters.