- Today's Word
Abscond
ab-SKOND
Definition
- (verb) To leave quickly and secretly, often to avoid arrest or detection.
Example
The thief absconded with the stolen jewels before anyone noticed.
“Abscond” comes from the Latin abscondere, meaning “to hide away.” While it’s often used in legal or criminal contexts, it can also describe dramatic escapes in literature or film. Think of a character who vanishes mysteriously or flees after a scandal—they’ve absconded!