Went away (8)
'went away' is the definition.
(departing is a kind of going away)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for departed that I've seen before include "Left, went away" , "Left -- late" , "Quit" , "Gone, maybe dead" , "Went - dead" .)
'went away' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for left that I've seen before include "inclined towards socialism" , "Deserted; port" , "Gone away - remaining" , "Abandoned" , "Departed or bequeathed" .)