verb

leave

LEEV/liːv/

To depart while allowing something to remain behind.

The woman leaves the house, waving to the older woman at the doorway.

A woman walks away from an open front doorway along a short path, waving back to an older woman who remains at the threshold.

Etymology

Old English læfan meant to allow something to remain. The departure sense developed through “leave behind”: going away means that a person or place remains behind you.

In context

The Longest Johns0:01

the wages low Leave her, Johnny, leave her I guess it's time for us to go And it's time for us to leave her

Leave Her Johnny | The Longest Johns | Mass Choir Community Video Project

More examples

We leave the dog with a neighbor while we travel.
He left a note on the counter before heading out.
Her aunt left her the house in her will.

Forms

leave · leaves · left · leaving

Similar words

abandon: Suggests leaving someone or something permanently, often without needed care.
bequeath: Specifically means to leave property to someone after death.