Decamp: meaning, definitions and examples
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decamp
[ dɪˈkæmp ]
departure escape
To decamp means to leave a place suddenly or secretly, often to avoid detection or to go away without paying. This term is commonly used in military contexts but can also refer to individuals or groups that flee from a situation or a location. The action often implies a degree of stealth or urgency, suggesting that the departure is not planned or must be done quickly. It can refer to leaving a campsite, a place of work, or any location where one might be staying temporarily.
Synonyms
abscond, depart, escape, flee.
Examples of usage
- The soldiers decided to decamp under the cover of darkness.
- After the scandal, the politician chose to decamp rather than face the media.
- The campers had to decamp quickly when a storm approached.
- He planned to decamp to a more peaceful location for the weekend.
Etymology
The word 'decamp' originates from the early 17th century, deriving from the French word 'décamper,' which combines 'dé' (a prefix meaning 'away' or 'from') and 'camper' (meaning 'to encamp'). The term was initially used in military contexts to describe troops who would break camp and move out quickly. As the word evolved, it began to encompass broader meanings related to leaving a location swiftly or secretively, applied in both military and civilian contexts. Over time, 'decamp' has been used to describe various scenarios of departure, particularly those involving urgency or evasion. Its etymology reflects the notion of movement away from a stationed position, which aligns with its modern usage.