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compassionate leave

American  
[kuhm-pash-uhn-it leev] / kəmˈpæʃ ən ɪt ˈliv /

noun

  • compassionate leaves
    plural
  1. Chiefly British. time off from work, or out of prison, granted to someone because of a death or health crisis in their family.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

His brother Sean had also applied for compassionate leave from a different prison, Magilligan, but the decision to deny that application was upheld by the judge.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

In his first game after compassionate leave, there was a poignant moment at Anfield when the defender was in tears while celebrating a goal against Newcastle in the 4-1 win.

From BBC ● Apr. 20, 2026

Konate had missed Liverpool's three previous matches after being allowed compassionate leave.

From Barron's ● Jan. 31, 2026

Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are out injured, while Ibrahima Konate is absent on compassionate leave following the death of his father.

From Barron's ● Jan. 27, 2026

Some may choose to take sick pay or compassionate leave - but this is at the discretion of employers.

From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2024

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