decamp

UK: dɪˈkæmp | US: dɪˈkæmp

Definition

  1. vi. 1. To leave a place suddenly or secretly, especially to avoid capture or obligation.

  2. vi. 2. To depart from a camp or temporary lodging.

Structure
de <away>camp <field/military quarters>
Etymology

Derived from French décamper (17th century), itself from dé- (away) + camper (to camp). The root camp traces back to Latin campus (field), later associated with military encampments. The word originally meant "to break camp" but evolved to imply a hasty or covert departure.

Examples

  1. The thieves decamped before the police arrived.

  2. After the festival, the travelers decamped at dawn.

  3. The rebels decamped to the mountains to evade capture.

  4. He decamped from the meeting without explanation.

  5. The circus decamped overnight, leaving no trace.