decamp

[ dih-kamp ]

verb (used without object)

1. to depart from a camp; to pack up equipment and leave a camping ground:

   We decamped before the rain began.

2. to depart quickly, secretly, or unceremoniously:

   The band of thieves decamped in the night.

decamp

/ dɪˈkæmp /

verb

1. to leave a camp; break camp
2. to depart secretly or suddenly; abscond

Derived Forms

• deˈcampment, noun

Other Words From

• de·campment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decamp¹

1670–80; < French décamper, equivalent to dé- dis- ¹ + camper to encamp; camp ¹

Example Sentences

For generations, Mexican immigrants have landed in this area before decamping to Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Danny described what he'd remembered — how, when I was three, my mother and I had decamped from our home in Jersey City to his in a quaint Boston suburb.

From Salon

Lawmakers eventually decamped to a nearby museum to resume their session.

From Los Angeles Times

For some — mindful that Harris decamped and made her name across the bay in San Francisco — the imagery rang hollow.

From Los Angeles Times

Once the killers decamped, he took off on foot looking for help.

From Los Angeles Times