Definition
To depart suddenly and secretly, especially to avoid capture or prosecution.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb.
Synonyms
Flee, escape, run away, bolt, disappear, vanish, elope.
Antonyms
Stay, remain, appear, arrive, show up.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | abscondment, abscondments, absconders, absconder |
| Verb | absconded, absconds, absconding, abscond |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
-
The suspect absconded from the scene of the crime before the police arrived.
-
She absconded with the company’s confidential documents and went into hiding.
-
The prisoner absconded from the jail by digging a tunnel under the wall.
-
The couple decided to abscond and start a new life together in a different country.
Usage
The word “abscond” comes from the Latin word “abscondere,” which means “to hide oneself.” It is typically used to describe someone who has left a place suddenly and secretly, especially to avoid capture or prosecution. The term is often associated with criminal activities, such as fleeing from the scene of a crime or evading the law.
The prefix “ab-” in “abscond” means “away from,” while “condere” means “to put” or “to store.” This suggests that the word “abscond” implies a sense of putting or storing oneself away from a situation or location.
The word “abscond” can be used in various contexts. For example, it can be used to describe a suspect who absconds from the scene of a crime, a debtor who absconds to avoid paying debts, or an employee who absconds with company property. It can also be used more generally to describe someone who leaves a place suddenly and without notice.
In terms of usage, “abscond” is typically used in formal or serious contexts, such as legal or criminal proceedings, and is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is important to note that the word “abscond” is often used in a negative sense and may be associated with illegal or unethical behavior.