elope
elope Lexical Profile
elope Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent or a formal wedding ceremony.
"Rather than spending months planning an expensive reception, the couple decided to elope to a quiet coastal town."
To depart or wander away from a safe area or care facility without authorization (used in medical and psychiatric contexts for patients with cognitive impairments).
"The memory care unit installed keypad locks on all exterior doors to prevent disoriented residents from attempting to elope."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern informal usage, "elope" is frequently used to mean having a small, destination wedding with just the couple and an officiant, even when the marriage is planned in advance and known to the families.
• Rhymes for elope
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Anglo-French 'aloper' (to run away, specifically of a wife leaving her husband), likely formed from Old French 'es-' (away) and a Germanic root related to Middle English 'lepen' (to leap or run).