Mass departure (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: EXODUS (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Mass departure" with 6 letters is "EXODUS". EXODUS refers to a mass departure or migration of a large group of people, often associated with fleeing from a place due to some form of crisis, persecution, or hardship. The term is commonly used to describe a significant movement of people, usually in large numbers, seeking refuge or a better life elsewhere.
Why “Exodus” Fits
Mass departure: “Exodus” is a noun that specifically means a mass departure or emigration of a large group of people from a place, so it matches “mass departure” exactly. Dictionaries define exodus as “a going out; a departure or emigration, usually of a large number of people,” or “a large group of people leaving a place at the same time.”
A Bit of Background
The word has both biblical and general uses:
- Origin and sense: “Exodus” comes from Greek via Latin, literally meaning “a way out” or “departure,” and is famously the title of the second book of the Bible, describing the Israelites’ departure from Egypt. Over time, the lowercase “exodus” has come to mean any large-scale departure or flight of people, whether due to war, economic crisis, disaster, or other pressures.
- Examples: Usage examples talk about “an exodus of workers from rural areas,” “a mass exodus of fans after the game,” or “the exodus of refugees during the conflict,” all reinforcing the sense of a big group leaving at once.
Crossword Solving Insight
For a clue like “Mass departure (6)”:
- Definition match: “Mass departure” is a textbook definition of “exodus,” often used as the standard one-word substitute in vocabulary and exam questions.
- Enumeration: EXODUS has six letters, fitting the (6) pattern perfectly; while “escape” or “exodus” might both describe leaving, only EXODUS carries the strong, established meaning of a large-scale departure.
- Frequency: Because exodus is the canonical one-word term for “mass departure,” it is a very common and expected crossword answer for this clue.
This precise semantic alignment and exact letter fit make EXODUS the ideal solution to “Mass departure (6).”
