scarper
Americanverb (used without object)
verb
noun
Other Word Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have scarperedperfect
-
has scarperedperfect 3rd person singular
-
has been scarperingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
have been scarperingperfect progressive
-
scarperingparticiple
-
are scarperingprogressive
-
am scarperingprogressive 1st person singular
-
scarperssingular 3rd person
-
is scarperingprogressive 3rd person singular
Past
-
had scarperedperfect
-
had been scarperingperfect progressive
-
was scarperingprogressive singular
-
were scarperingprogressive plural
-
scarperedsimple
-
scarperedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of scarper
First recorded in 1845–50; originally argot, probably from Polari, ultimately from Italian scappare “to flee,” from Vulgar Latin excappāre (unattested); see origin at escape
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.
She said they had heard loud music coming from inside and saw someone in the flat approach, but then "scarper" away.
From BBC • Jan. 30, 2024
Throughout our conversation, he has been charming company while also giving the impression of a runner on the starting blocks, poised to scarper the second he hears the pistol.
From The Guardian • Jul. 24, 2019
The other, at home to Fulham, feels like a huge game if the Saints are to scarper clear of the relegation zone they find themselves back in.
From The Guardian • Feb. 11, 2019
And then you scarper home as fast as you can.
From Economist • Oct. 2, 2014
But if I tried to scarper and got caught, it'd mean we'd nicked the squash.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
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.
