abscond
/əbˈskɒnd/
Group 29Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to escape from custody or avoid arrest GRE
Example in Context
The treasurer absconded with the organization's funds, fleeing the country before auditors discovered the missing accounts.
Synonyms
fleeescaperun away
Etymology
Means to hide away or escape, especially from custody.
- ab- (Latin) — away from
- condere (Latin) — to store
Memory Aid
🏃♂️Sounds like “abs con”
A man with six-pack ABS running away with a CON of ice cream, ABSCONDing before anyone sees!
Visual Association
👟A fit man sprinting away with a giant ice cream cone, leaving shocked onlookers behind.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “abscond” mean on the GRE?
abscond (verb) means “To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to escape from custody or avoid arrest”. The treasurer absconded with the organization's funds, fleeing the country before auditors discovered the missing accounts.
How to remember “abscond” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “abscond” sounds like “abs con”. A man with six-pack ABS running away with a CON of ice cream, ABSCONDing before anyone sees!
What are synonyms for “abscond”?
Common synonyms: flee, escape, run away.