leave
UK[liːv]US[liːv]
v
to go away from a place or a person
v
to allow something to remain in a particular state, position, or condition
v
to not take something with you when you go away
n
a period of time when you are allowed to be absent from work or duty
Etymology
The verb 'leave' originates from the Old English word 'lǣfan', meaning "to allow to remain, bequeath, or have left." This Old English term is a causative derivative of the Proto-Germanic root laibijaną, meaning "to let remain," which itself comes from the earlier root lībaną, meaning "to remain, be left." The semantic core connecting these ancient forms is the concept of something being left behind, whether by departure or by inheritance. The noun form, relating to permission for absence, developed in the late Middle English period from the idea of being granted permission to depart or be left alone from duties.
Analysis
The modern English word 'leave' is a simplex form derived from a single, tight Germanic root. It is not productively segmentable into smaller, meaningful morphemes within its current English spelling.
Examples
I will leave the office at six o'clock.
Please leave the window open.
He is on sick leave for two weeks.