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

Other Word Forms

• absconder 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

Court records show prosecutors filed an application to seek an “Extradition/Fugitive Hardcopy Warrant,” but it contained no details about how he absconded and a spokesperson for the district attorney’s office declined to answer questions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s a far cry from the sleek criminals of streaming series, who seldom budge from their computers and abscond with millions and billions thanks to a few clicks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr Flatt absconded from the home and was returned by the police but it was then decided to send him to Basildon Hospital because of his heart problems, where he he then had the fall.

Read more on BBC

Jalal also absconded before trial and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Read more on BBC

Six inmates absconded from Male Community Reentry Program facilities in Los Angeles County this year, according to a review of public statements by CDCR.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does abscond mean?

Abscond means to leave secretly and suddenly, especially to avoid being caught, punished, or put on trial.The word typically implies that someone has left because they have done something wrong and want to avoid any consequences. Criminals abscond to get away with their crimes. A more informal term for abscond is make one’s getaway.Abscond is often followed by the word with and the thing that the person has absconded with, such as the things they’ve stolen, as in It’s too late—he’s already absconded with the diamond!In a legal context, abscond is often used to mean that someone has left to avoid prosecution or legal proceedings that have already begun.Abscond is sometimes used in a humorous way to liken someone to a criminal, as in Jeff absconded with the rest of the doughnuts or The dog absconded with my cheeseburger.A person who absconds can be called an absconder or an abscondee.Example: The thieves absconded with the loot before the authorities arrived at the scene.