administrative leave

noun

: a mandatory leave of absence that is required as a matter of policy in special circumstances (such as during an investigation of possible wrongdoing)

The seven officers and the sergeant involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave, as is routinely done in such cases.

—Sara Albert, Fresno Bee, 5 Oct. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

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