elope
Americanverb (used without object)
-
-
to run off secretly to be married, usually without the consent or knowledge of one's parents or family.
-
to get married in a small ceremony with few or no guests and often without a reception.
After the stress of planning my first wedding, I decided that this time I'd just elope.
-
-
to run away with a lover.
-
-
to leave without permission or notification; escape.
At age 21, the apprentice eloped from his master.
-
(of a patient or person in care) to leave a hospital, care facility, or safe area independently without notifying anyone.
-
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of elope
First recorded in 1590–1600; Middle English alopen (unrecorded) “to run away” (whence Anglo-French aloper ); see a- 3 ( def. ), lope ( def. )
Explanation
When you elope, you run away with the person you love. Usually, you elope to get married without anyone knowing in advance. The word elope probably originated with the Middle Dutch word lopen, meaning "run away." Couples who elope typically don't seek anyone's permission before running off to get married, not even their parents. Often, that's the whole point of wanting to elope: you can avoid dealing with anyone who might opt to "speak now" instead "holding their peace."
Vocabulary lists containing elope
The Bridge Home
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Fourteenth Goldfish
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
5-letter words, List 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He is engaged to his longtime girlfriend with plans to elope.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025
When Abraham read the script, he really got upset because up until that time, he thought that it was Chris’ idea to elope and that Chris had corrupted his beautiful daughter.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2025
And they don’t plan to elope, Zephyr says.
From Washington Times • Jun. 27, 2023
For whatever reason, your stepsister chose to elope.
From Slate • Mar. 24, 2023
She said she would elope with him if Ma tried to make her marry Tweedie.
From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
