To go away from a place or person. It can also mean to let something stay as it is or to allow someone to do something; as a noun, it means official permission to be absent from work or duty.
From Old English *lǣfan* meaning “to allow to remain, bequeath, or go away.” It is related to German *lassen* (to let, leave), showing a shared idea of letting go or allowing something to stay.
‘Leave’ interestingly means both “go away” and “let stay,” depending on the grammar—almost opposite ideas. The core concept is not movement but separation: either you separate yourself from something, or you stop interfering with it.
In employment contexts, 'leave' (especially 'maternity leave') has been strongly gendered, reflecting assumptions that caregiving is primarily women’s responsibility. Historically, many policies provided leave only or primarily for birth mothers, marginalizing fathers, non‑birthing parents, and other caregivers.
Prefer neutral, inclusive terms like 'parental leave' or 'caregiver leave' when policy allows, and specify 'medical leave related to pregnancy or birth' when that is the precise scope.
["parental leave","caregiver leave","family leave","medical leave"]
When discussing leave policy history, note that women workers and feminist advocates were central in winning paid leave and job‑protection benefits that now support many kinds of caregivers.
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