Leave

/liːv/

Meaning & Definition

noun
Permission to do something, especially to leave or be away from work.
She took a leave of absence to care for her sick parent.
An act of departing or going away.
His leave was granted for two weeks.
verb
To go away from a place.
I will leave the office at 5 PM.
To allow someone to have or keep something.
Please leave your contact information with the receptionist.
To let something remain or be in a certain state.
I will leave the door open for you.

Etymology

Old English 'lefan', meaning 'to allow, permit'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

leave it be
To not interfere or make changes.
leave someone hanging
To not provide help or support when expected.
leave no stone unturned
To search thoroughly or exhaustively.

Related Words

leave-taking
The act of saying goodbye.
leave of absence
A formal permission to be away from a duty or responsibility.

Slang Meanings

Bounce
I gotta bounce; see you later!
Dip
Let's dip out of here before it gets crowded.