/ ˈæbsəns; NAmE / noun
1.
[ U , C ] absence (from ... ) the fact of sb being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when sb is away :
absence from work
repeated absences from school
The decision was made in my absence (= while I was not there) .
We did not receive any news during his long absence.
—see also leave
2.
[ U ] the fact of sb/sth not existing or not being available; a lack of sth :
The case was dismissed in the absence of any definite proof.
the absence of any women on the board of directors
OPP presence
•
IDIOMS
- absence makes the heart grow fonder
—more at conspicuous
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French , from Latin absentia , from absens , absent- being absent, present participle of abesse , from ab- from, away + esse to be.