embarkation
UK[ˌembɑːˈkeɪʃən]US[ˌembɑːrˈkeɪʃən]
n
the act of getting onto a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle to begin a journey.
n
the process of loading goods or personnel onto a ship, aircraft, or vehicle.
Morpheme Breakdown
em
bark
ation
em
in, on
bark
ship
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'embarkation' charts a direct course from the latin term for a small boat. it originates from the medieval latin 'embarcare', itself formed from the latin prefix 'in-' (meaning 'in, on') and 'barca' (a boat). the literal sense was 'to put or get onto a boat'. this concrete action of boarding a vessel was carried into french as 'embarquer' and subsequently into english. the suffix '-ation' was then appended to form the noun denoting the process or act itself. thus, the modern abstract meaning of 'the process of beginning a journey' retains the nautical logic of its components: the action (ation) of getting onto (em) a ship (bark).
Analysis
Structure: em (in, on) + bark (ship) + ation (noun suffix)
em: from latin 'in-', meaning 'in, on, into'. a prefix indicating entry or placement onto something.
bark: from latin 'barca', meaning 'a small boat, barge'. the core root referring to a vessel or ship.
ation: from latin '-atio', a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process.
Examples
the embarkation of the troops onto the transport ships was completed by dawn.
please proceed to gate 15 for embarkation.
a delay in embarkation caused the cruise departure to be postponed.