leave

Leave is an authorization to be absent from a duty or position. As a noun, it denotes a period of absence granted by an employer, school, or government agency; as a verb, it can mean to allow someone to depart or to cause something to be left behind.

In the workplace, common forms include annual or vacation leave, sick leave, parental or maternity/paternity leave, bereavement leave, study or educational leave, jury duty leave, military leave, and compassionate or carer leave. Leaves may be paid or unpaid, and eligibility, duration, and accrual rules vary by country and employer. Notice requirements and documentation, such as medical certificates, may apply. Employees generally have a right to return to their position after leave, subject to local law and policy.

Legal frameworks differ widely. Some jurisdictions provide statutory leave rights, such as family and medical leave, while others rely on contractual or company policies. Employers may offer more generous leave benefits beyond statutory minimums. Public institutions, schools, and military organizations may have specialized leave structures with different rules.

In botany, a leaf is one of the principal organs of a vascular plant, typically flat and green, adapted for photosynthesis and gas exchange. Leaves vary in size, shape, and arrangement and may have specialized structures such as cuticles, stomata, and different venation patterns.

Common idioms and phrases include leave of absence, leave behind, and to leave someone a message. The term derives from historical usage of "leave" meaning permission or authorization.