abscond

[ ab-skond ]

verb (used without object)

1. to depart in a sudden and secret manner, especially to avoid capture and legal prosecution:

   The cashier absconded with the money.

   Synonyms: bolt, decamp

abscond

/ əbˈskɒnd /

verb

1. intr to run away secretly, esp from an open institution or to avoid prosecution or punishment

Derived Forms

• abˈsconder, noun

Other Words From

• ab·sconder noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abscond¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin abscondere “to hide or stow away,” equivalent to abs- abs- + condere “to stow” ( con- con- + -dere “to put”; do ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of abscond¹

C16: from Latin abscondere to hide, put away, from abs- ab- ¹+ condere to stow

Example Sentences

The Hashemites will not just surrender power and abscond to South Kensington.

From The Daily Beast

That was then required, and no one could really think I would abscond and leave my old guardian in the lurch.

From Project Gutenberg

He had settled with Houseman that he would abscond that very night, not wait for the next, as at first he had intended.

From Project Gutenberg

Yea, they make a solemn oath to each other not to abscond or conceal the least thing they find amongst the prey.

From Project Gutenberg

Mexicans also appreciate the pithaya, and servants frequently abscond at that time, in order to get the fruit.

From Project Gutenberg

Could the coolie possibly abscond with a bag of mail under the very eyes of an officer?

From Project Gutenberg