1. a beginning from which an enterprise is launched

e.g. he uses other people's ideas as a springboard for his own
reality provides the jumping-off point for his illusions
the point of departure of international comparison cannot be an institution but must be the function it carries out

Synonym: springboardjumping-off point

2. a place from which an enterprise or expedition is launched

e.g. one day when I was at a suitable jumping-off place I decided to see if I could find him
my point of departure was San Francisco

Synonym: jumping-off place