skedaddle

[ ski-dad-l ]

verb (used without object)

, ske·dad·dled, ske·dad·dling.

1. to run away hurriedly; flee.

noun

1. a hasty flight.

skedaddle

/ skɪˈdædəl /

verb

1. intr to run off hastily

noun

1. a hasty retreat

Word History and Origins

Origin of skedaddle¹

1860–65, Americanism; compare dial. ( Scots, N England) skedaddle to spill, scatter, skiddle to move away quickly

Word History and Origins

Origin of skedaddle¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

“You’ve got about thirty minutes. Better skedaddle before Lily sees you, or she’ll hug on you 'til the car is half out of the driveway.”

From Literature

On Sunday, Mr. Trump will skedaddle on over to Sioux City, Iowa, where he will headline an event and “deliver remarks” at the classic Orpheum Theater, built in 1927, with the capacity to seat 2,650 people.

From Washington Times

But even the vague threat of personal conflict and humiliation was enough to make him skedaddle down to Mar-a-Lago when it was time to go.

From Salon

There’s no reason pickleballers couldn’t play at the park when children are in school and then skedaddle in the afternoon, she said.

From Washington Post

His supporters are pointing to convention that departing prime ministers loiter until their replacement rolls up, rather than instantly skedaddle to make way for a caretaker PM.

From BBC