Definition of go away

The phrase "go away" is a common expression in English used to ask someone to leave or depart. The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the Middle English language, spoken during the 13th to 15th centuries. In Old English, the term for "go" was "gān," while the phrase for "away" was "āwe"—literally meaning "on the way" or "on the paths." When these words combined, they created the expression "gān āwe," meaning "go away." Over time, the pronunciation of these words evolved throughout the Middle English period. The modern pronunciation for "go" is "ɡəʊ," and for "away," it is "əˈwey." The two words separated into individual phrases in the late 17th century, but the meaning remained the same. The expression "go" evolved to also mean "depart" or "leave," while "away" could simply mean "in the direction of." By the 19th century, the expression "go away" was commonly used, and it continues to be a part of the English language today, serving as a helpful way to request someone's departure.