elope

[ih-lohp]

verb (used without object)

eloped, eloping 

1. 1. to run off secretly to be married, usually without the consent or knowledge of one's parents or family.

   2. to get married in a small ceremony with few or no guests and often without a reception.

      After the stress of planning my first wedding, I decided that this time I'd just elope.

2. to run away with a lover.

3. 1. to leave without permission or notification; escape.

      At age 21, the apprentice eloped from his master.

   2. (of a patient or person in care) to leave a hospital, care facility, or safe area independently without notifying anyone.

elope

/ ɪˈləʊp /

verb

1. (intr) to run away secretly with a lover, esp in order to marry

Other Word Forms

• eloper noun
• elopement noun
• uneloped adjective
• uneloping adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elope¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; Middle English alopen (unrecorded) “to run away” (whence Anglo-French aloper ); a- ³ ( def. ), lope ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of elope¹

C16: from Anglo-French aloper, perhaps from Middle Dutch lōpen to run; see _lope

Example Sentences

William eventually left Suffolk and wrote to the Marten family to say he had eloped with Maria to the Isle of Wight.

From BBC

When Abraham read the script, he really got upset because up until that time, he thought that it was Chris’ idea to elope and that Chris had corrupted his beautiful daughter.

From Los Angeles Times

Then he got an offer from a Christian label in Nashville; he moved again and immediately met a woman with whom he ended up eloping.

From Los Angeles Times

The new brides revealed earlier this month that they eloped in October after being engaged for a year.

From Los Angeles Times

Sticks and stones aren't enough to thwart biological attraction, but sometimes those are the only tools available to pastoralists trying to prevent wildlife from eloping with their livestock.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• run off