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To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection or arrest.
synonyms:escapeflee
The word 'abscond' originates from the Latin 'abscondere', where 'ab-' means 'away' and 'condere' means 'to put away' or 'to hide'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century.
The term is often used in legal contexts, but can also be applied in everyday situations when someone sneaks away.
While not used daily by most people, it appears in legal discussions, literature, and news reports about crime.
The thief managed to abscond with a priceless painting before the police arrived.
After receiving the unexpected inheritance, she decided to abscond to a tropical island.
He planned to abscond with his savings, leaving behind his responsibilities.
The word 'abscond' brings to mind images of sneaky escapes and thrilling chases. With roots in Latin, it paints a picture of someone hiding away, perhaps with a secret stash of treasure or illicit gains. Although it may not be an everyday term for most, it often pops up in discussions about crime or escape. Next time you hear about a mysterious disappearance, remember—someone might just be absconding!