leave of absence

American  

noun

1. permission to be absent from duty, employment, service, etc.; leave.

2. the length of time granted in such permission.

   a two-year leave of absence.

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leave of absence British  

noun

1. permission to be absent from work or duty

2. the period of absence

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Etymology

Origin of leave of absence

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

Though Tom is guilty of no actual wrongdoing, the dean has asked him to take a leave of absence to let any possible recriminations blow over.

From The Wall Street Journal

Not only that, but he then took a leave of absence from the court and went to Nuremberg to become the chief U.S. prosecutor, and the man who ultimately faced down Göring in open court.

From Los Angeles Times

In the summer chief executive Claire Burden was announced as taking an extended leave of absence, followed by Professor Gordon James taking over as interim chief executive.

From BBC

Myeong had previously requested a six-month leave of absence, citing depression, but returned to school in 20 days, after a doctor assessed her as being fit to work, the Daejeon education office said in February.

From BBC

When she gets pregnant with her son, Reuben, she is laid low and takes a temporary leave of absence from school.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• furlough
• sabbatical