elopement

[ ih-lohp-muhnt ]

noun

1. an act or instance of running off secretly, especially to be married.
2. an act or instance of a patient or person in care leaving a hospital, care facility, or safe area independently without notifying anyone: wandering ( def 6 ).

   Nursing homes need strategies to cope with elopement.

3. a small wedding ceremony with few or no guests and often without a reception:

   The couple had a quiet elopement in Dublin with only their parents and an officiant present.

Other Words From

• non·e·lope·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of elopement¹

First recorded in 1600–10; elope ( def ) + -ment ( def )

Example Sentences

She’s delivered goods to everything from small elopements to baby showers to afternoon teas.

From Seattle Times

His therapists are working to address elopement or wandering that can be common in children with autism.

From Seattle Times

She said that an elopement climb shouldn’t require a couple to push themselves.

From Seattle Times

The two heard no warnings, so they pressed forward with their elopement plans, driving south to a beach just past Wailea, where they exchanged vows under perfect blue skies.

From Seattle Times

They’re being asked to shoot more elopements and micro weddings – weddings with 50 or fewer guests — and to provide faster photos and behind-the-scenes videos that can easily be shared on social media.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• breakout
• departure
• desertion
• disappearance
• flight
• freedom
• liberation
• outbreak
• rescue
• withdrawal