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

GPS devices are generally seen by probation officials, prosecutors and judges as reducing the risk that a defendant will abscond or commit a new crime.

From Los Angeles Times

But he has attacked staff, and made repeated attempts to abscond.

From BBC

Julie, the mother of the man Battams attacked in 2011, said it was "unbelievable" that he had been able to abscond.

From BBC

During the extradition process Mr Assange has been kept in London's high security Belmarsh prison over fears he could abscond.

From BBC

No 10 said it was "not accurate" to say the Home Office was unable to locate the others, but a government source admitted it was possible some could abscond before they were detained.

From BBC