SKIP TO CONTENT

debark

/diˈbɑrk/

Other forms: debarked; debarking; debarks

When you get off a ship and go on land, you debark. The passengers on the Titanic were hoping to debark in New York.

If you've ever spent a long stretch out at sea, you know the feeling when you debark and feel wobbly on your feet as you wait to get your land legs. You can also use this verb for getting off a plane or a spacecraft: "When the astronauts debark, they'll be greeted by fans." Debark, from the French débarquer, is a synonym for the longer disembark.

Definitions of debark
  1. verb
    go ashore
    synonyms: disembark, set down
    see moresee less
    Antonyms:
    embark, ship
    go on board
    type of:
    land, set down
    reach or come to rest
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘debark'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family
EDITOR'S CHOICE

Look up debark for the last time

Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.

VocabTrainer - Vocabulary.com's Vocabulary Trainer