abscond

American  

[ab-skond] / æbˈskɒnd /

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

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abscond British  

/ əbˈskɒnd /

verb

1. (intr) to run away secretly, esp from an open institution or to avoid prosecution or punishment

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Usage

What does abscond mean? Abscond means to leave secretly and suddenly, especially to avoid being caught, punished, or put on trial. The word typically implies that someone has left because they have done something wrong and want to avoid any consequences. Criminals abscond to get away with their crimes. A more informal term for abscond is make one’s getaway. Abscond is often followed by the word with and the thing that the person has absconded with, such as the things they’ve stolen, as in It’s too late—he’s already absconded with the diamond!In a legal context, abscond is often used to mean that someone has left to avoid prosecution or legal proceedings that have already begun. Abscond is sometimes used in a humorous way to liken someone to a criminal, as in Jeff absconded with the rest of the doughnuts or The dog absconded with my cheeseburger. A person who absconds can be called an absconder or an abscondee. Example: The thieves absconded with the loot before the authorities arrived at the scene.

Other Word Forms

• absconder noun

Etymology

Origin of abscond

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 )

Explanation

Abscond is to escape, often taking something along. As a kid, you may have absconded from your lemonade stand — with the coffee can of cash in hand, and your bewildered sister still filling cups for your customers. Abscond is generally used to describe someone running from law or capture, and the word abscond has been in use since the early 16th century — running away and hiding being nothing new. Dogs who get off the leash and dart into the woods are not necessarily absconding; they are simply making a break for it. On the other hand, the Ponzi schemer who went to live in the South of France with his client's money? He absconded.

Example Sentences

His house was encumbered with liens and he’d sold a “prop plane” that prosecutors cited when arguing he was a risk to abscond, Maitia said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

It’s a far cry from the sleek criminals of streaming series, who seldom budge from their computers and abscond with millions and billions thanks to a few clicks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 19, 2025

Miss Powell was awaiting specialist treatment, and was known for previous attempts to abscond.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2024

Authorities haven’t accused Osborne of sheltering the Pollocks but cited his ties to the family as a reason to fear that he could abscond.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 14, 2024

“I’m walking Maya to first period. Unless, of course, you want to abscond with her?”

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed