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DictionarypassingDeath
noun

passing

The death of a person.

The family announces their grandfather's passing.

Etymology
passOld Frenchto go past
+ingEnglishact or process

Passing uses the movement image of departure for death. It is a shortened, softened expression associated with passing away or passing from life.

More examples

  • Her passing was mourned by former students.
  • They gathered a year after his passing.
  • The obituary described his peaceful passing.

Forms

passing

Similar words

death
The direct term rather than a gentler expression.
demise
A formal term for death or an ending.