departed

American  

[dih-pahr-tid] / dɪˈpɑr tɪd /

adjective

1. deceased; dead.

2. gone; past.

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noun

1. the departed,

   1. the dead person referred to.

   2. dead persons collectively.

departed British  

/ dɪˈpɑːtɪd /

adjective

1. euphemistic

   1. dead; deceased

   2. ( as sing or collective noun; preceded by the )

      the departed

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Other Word Forms

• undeparted
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of departed

First recorded in 1550–60; depart + -ed ²

Explanation

Something that's departed is gone, or happened in the distant past. An archaeologist might unearth artifacts from a departed era. Anything that's past or long gone is departed, including a person who has died. When your friend talks about her dear, departed Uncle Bob, you know that Uncle Bob is no longer living. The word has been a euphemism for "dead" since at least the 16th century — the traditional wedding service once read "till death us depart," rather than today's "till death do us part."

Example Sentences

Departed Bangor, Maine, at 10:25 a.m. after a pit stop.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

He is considered one of the greatest living directors, with credits also including The Wolf of Wall Street, Gangs of New York, The Departed, Goodfellas and Taxi Driver.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2024

Departed generations commune with the living in Sedrick Huckaby’s work, which juxtaposes painting and sculpture.

From Washington Post • Dec. 15, 2022

Speaking of his career, the Academy Award-nominated actor, perhaps best known for starring in Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" and producing HBO's comedy-drama series "Entourage," expressed excitement about his upcoming role in "Father Stu."

From Fox News • Feb. 19, 2022

Departed brother! mayest thou find open the gates of heaven, and see the city of peace and the dwellings of safety, and meet the ministering angels hastening joyfully toward thee.

From The Faith of Our Fathers by Gibbons, James

Related Words

• deceased