What does absconded mean Meaning and Definition
What does absconded mean
Pronunciation
/əbˈskɒnd/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To take sudden and usually clandestine departure, often in order to avoid a debt or responsibility. To flee or escape.
Examples
- The accused felon absconded with the stolen money.
- He absconded overnight, leaving his family in panic.
Synonyms
- Fled
- Escaped
- Disappeared
Antonyms
- Returned
- Remained
- Stayed
Etymology
The word “abscond” comes from the Latin “abscondere,” meaning “to hide away.” It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of hiding or concealing oneself.
Usage Notes
Absconded is often used in formal or official contexts, such as in law enforcement or government reports. It can be used in a variety of tenses, including past simple, past participle, and present perfect.
Cultural References
Absconded has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, in the novel “The Count of Monte Cristo,” the main character Edmond Dantès absconds with a stolen fortune.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- On the run
- To flee the scene
- To disappear without a trace
Related Words or Phrases
- Fledgling
- Escape
- Fugitive
Collocations
- Absconded with
- Absconded from
- Absconding without permission
Frequency of Use
Absconded is a relatively rare verb in modern English language, but it is still used in various contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, absconded is used in approximately 1 in 100,000 words.
Common Misspellings
- Absonded
- Abscend