elope

Meaning

  1. (intransitive) To run away from home with a paramour.
  2. (intransitive) To run away secretly for the purpose of getting married with one's intended spouse; to marry in a quick or private fashion, especially without a public period of engagement.
  3. (dated, intransitive) To run away from home (for any reason).

Frequency

C2
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ɪˈləʊp/
Etymology

From Anglo-Norman aloper (“to abduct, run away”), itself borrowed from Proto-West Germanic *andihlaupan (“to run away”). Equivalent to and- + lope as well as and- + leap (these being doublets). More at lope.

Notes

Sign in to write sticky notes