scram

¹

[ skram ]

verb (used without object)

, Informal.

, scrammed, scram·ming.

1. to go away; get out (usually used as a command):

   I said I was busy, so scram.

scram

²

[ skram ]

noun

1. the rapid shutdown of a nuclear reactor in an emergency.

verb (used with object)

1. to shut down (a nuclear reactor) rapidly in an emergency.

scram

¹

/ skræm /

verb

1. informal.
   intr; often imperative to go away hastily; get out

scram

²

/ skræm /

noun

1. an emergency shutdown of a nuclear reactor

verb

1. (of a nuclear reactor) to shut down or be shut down in an emergency

Word History and Origins

Origin of scram¹

1925–30; probably shortened form of scramble (but compare German schramm, imperative singular of schrammen to depart)

Origin of scram²

1945–50; perhaps identical with scram ¹, though sense development is unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of scram¹

C20: shortened from scramble

Origin of scram²

C20: perhaps from scram ¹

Example Sentences

“And you know what they say. Finders keepers! Now scram and let me find my treasure!”

From Literature

Dasch was a real talker, enjoying the sound of his voice and peppering his conversations with American slang and idioms, such as "scram" and "sight for sore eyes."

From Literature

When Balanchine arrived in America in 1933, he knew three phrases: “OK kid,” “scram” and “one swell guy.”

From New York Times

Only now, Oscar the Grouch is telling my 3-year-old son, Max, to “scram!” as he giggles and prods at his dingy metal trash can.

From Los Angeles Times

“Now, scram. All of you. I’m healing here. And take your lousy flowers with you!”

From Literature