Vocabulary word Abscond - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Crime and Lawlessness

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Departure and Leaving

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GRE 12 (Graduate Record Examination)

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Law and Order

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Dictionary Definition of abscond

To leave secretly and quickly, especially to avoid capture or arrest.
"The prisoner managed to abscond from the jail by digging a tunnel."

Detailed Meaning of Abscond

It is often used to describe someone who leaves their place of work, residence, or custody without permission or without fulfilling their obligations. For example, a criminal who escapes from prison is said to abscond. A person who is on bail and fails to appear in court is also said to have absconded.

The term "abscond" can also be used to describe someone who leaves their responsibilities or obligations behind and runs away, for example, a worker who absconds from their job, or a parent who absconds from their children. It implies an intention to avoid or evade something, whether it's an authority, a responsibility or an obligation.

It is also used to describe the act of stealing or taking something away secretly, for example, absconding with company funds or absconding with someone's property.

Overall, "abscond" implies a deliberate and secretive action of leaving, avoiding or evading something or someone.

Example Sentences for Abscond

1. The thief tried to abscond with the stolen jewels, but the alarm sounded.
2. She planned to abscond from the boring meeting, but her boss caught her.
3. He decided to abscond from the party when it became too crowded.
4. The prisoner attempted to abscond from the prison but was apprehended.
5. Fearing trouble, the teenagers tried to abscond from the scene.
6. The suspect tried to abscond from the police by ducking into an alley.

Origin and Etymology of Abscond

The verb 'abscond' has an etymology that can be traced back to Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'abscondere,' which combines 'ab,' meaning 'away from,' and 'condere,' meaning 'to put' or 'to store.' In Latin, 'abscondere' referred to the act of putting something away or hiding it, often with the sense of secrecy. 'Abscond' entered the English language in the 17th century and is used to describe the act of leaving secretly and quickly, especially to avoid capture or arrest. Its etymology underscores the idea of hiding or putting oneself away from scrutiny, as implied by its Latin origins in 'abscondere,' emphasizing the element of clandestine departure that characterizes absconding.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb abscond:

confront

flee

remain

stay

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More Usage Examples of Abscond

1. The spy had to abscond quickly to avoid being detected.
2. The cat would abscond with food from the kitchen when no one was looking.
3. The fugitive managed to abscond from the authorities for weeks.
4. She wanted to abscond from the family gathering due to tension.
5. The employee attempted to abscond from work early but was caught.
6. The thief had to abscond in a hurry when the security guard approached.
7. The witness decided to abscond from the trial to avoid testifying.
8. The rebel tried to abscond from the battlefield during the chaos.
9. He had to abscond from the party when his ex-partner arrived.
10. The suspect managed to abscond from the police station unnoticed.
11. The student tried to abscond from school to avoid taking the test.
12. The fugitive hoped to abscond from the country to escape prosecution.
13. She had to abscond from the meeting to attend a family emergency.
14. The criminal planned to abscond from the crime scene under the cover of darkness.
15. The prisoner's attempt to abscond from custody was unsuccessful.
16. The journalist had to abscond from the dangerous situation in the war zone.
17. The young girl tried to abscond from her chores by hiding in her room.
18. He decided to abscond from the company when a better opportunity arose.
19. The bank robber managed to abscond with a bag of cash before the police arrived.