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

Derived 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

However, by the time his parents moved into their recently sold abode, Aaron had departed for the NFL, having spent two years playing football for the California Golden Bears.

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

In Los Angeles, Mattingly departed amid a run of winning.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Under Lund, BP chief executive Bob Dudley departed in early 2020, replaced by Bernard Looney, who was sacked over his failure to disclose past relationships with colleagues.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Visitors departed the exhibition with a sense of awe at American industrial progress.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Their first overseas assignment was a big one: The husband-and-wife team departed for Moscow to become Paul Stombaugh's replacement.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

Related Words

• deceased