GOING AWOL Meaning and
Definition
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Going AWOL is an idiom derived from military terminology that means to be absent without official permission, particularly from one's assigned duties or military post. AWOL is an acronym for "Absent Without Leave."
When someone is "going AWOL," they abandon their designated responsibilities, whether they are in the armed forces, within an organization, or partaking in a societal commitment. It implies a deliberate and unauthorized departure from the prescribed or expected course of action, often without providing any valid explanation or notifying the relevant authorities.
This phrase is predominantly associated with military contexts, where it refers to a soldier's unauthorized departure from their military unit or base, typically with the intention of shirking their duties or avoiding responsibilities. Going AWOL is considered a violation of military regulations and discipline, subjecting the individual to potential legal repercussions and disciplinary actions such as court-martial or dishonorable discharge.
Outside of military contexts, the phrase can be metaphorically applied to situations where an individual neglects or intentionally evades their duties, obligations, or commitments in various spheres of life. It conveys a sense of irresponsibility, reneging on agreements, and breaking social norms or expectations.
Overall, "going AWOL" conveys a sense of abandonment, dereliction, and breach of trust, often suggesting a significant deviation from expected norms or predetermined responsibilities.
Common Misspellings for GOING AWOL
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Etymology of GOING AWOL
The term "AWOL" is an acronym that stands for "Absent Without Leave". It originated in military context, particularly in the armed forces of the United States. However, the specific etymology of "AWOL" is not completely clear.
Some sources suggest that the term emerged during World War I or earlier, derived from older military jargon. In the early 19th century, the term "absentee" was commonly used to describe soldiers who were not present for duty. It is possible that "AWOL" developed as an abbreviation of "absentee without leave". Another theory suggests that it may have evolved from the phrase "away without leave", which was used in the British military during the early 19th century.
While the exact origin of "AWOL" remains a subject of speculation, its usage gradually became widespread across different English-speaking military organizations throughout the 20th century.
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