WordLens

abscond

1 of 1verb
/æbˈskɑnd/
Forms:absconds,absconding,absconded,absconded
1

to secretly flee from a place, typically to avoid arrest or prosecution

C2
  • The prisoner managed to abscond from the maximum-security prison.
  • She feared the strict boarding school rules and decided to abscond.
  • He absconded from the prison last night.
2

to secretly depart, typically with something, like money, that does not rightfully belong to one

  • The employee absconded with confidential company documents and disappeared without a trace.
  • With a swift movement, the pickpocket absconded with the tourist's wallet, blending seamlessly into the crowded city streets.
  • The thief managed to abscond with the valuable painting before anyone noticed.
3

to intentionally avoid returning to custody at the specified time, typically when one is on bail or facing arrest

  • He absconded from the authorities after being released on bail.
  • The suspect absconded while awaiting trial.
  • He was supposed to appear in court today, but he chose to abscond instead.
4

(of a colony of honeybees) to suddenly depart or desert one's hive or nest entirely

  • The beekeeper was shocked to find that the entire colony had absconded from their hive overnight.
  • The Africanized honeybees absconded from their nest, leaving behind only empty comb.
  • It's rare for honeybees to abscond, but when they do, it's a challenging situation for beekeepers.
  • The beekeepers tried to prevent the colony from absconding by providing better hive conditions.