Absconding: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in legal or formal contexts where someone leaves suddenly to avoid arrest or punishment.

• The suspect was charged with absconding from custody.
• He is notorious for absconding with embezzled funds.

Usually describes leaving hurriedly, especially from danger or an unpleasant situation.

• The villagers had to flee their homes due to the approaching storm.
• He decided to flee the country after learning about the indictment.

Used to describe leaving a place where one is confined or seeks to avoid danger or an unpleasant situation.

• The prisoners managed to escape through a tunnel.
• She needed to escape from her stressful job for a while.

Commonly used to describe someone, especially a child or teenager, leaving home or a place without permission.

• The child threatened to run away if he didn't get his way.
• Teenagers sometimes run away from home to escape family conflicts.

Used in casual conversations to describe someone leaving quickly and unexpectedly. Often implies suddenness and surprise.

• As soon as the bell rang, the students bolted out of the classroom.
• The deer bolted when it heard the loud noise.

Usually refers to people, often lovers, running away together to get married secretly.

• They decided to elope to Las Vegas and get married quietly.
• In the old days, eloping was considered a romantic act of defiance.