elope

e-lope · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent.

  2. 2.

    To run away with a lover.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    elope with — to run away to marry someone
  • •
    elopement — the act of eloping

Related words

See also: elopement, marry, runaway, wedding
Synonyms: abscond, run away, run off

Etymology

From Anglo-French aloper ("to run away"), possibly from Middle Dutch ontlopen ("to run away"), from ont- ("away") + lopen ("to run"). Originally meant simply to run away or abscond; the specific meaning of running away to marry developed in the 17th century.