ABSCOND

Big Word of the Day. Sometimes "big" is bigger when stuffed into short.

ab·scond

/abˈskänd/

verb

Big Word Definition

: rapid departure, typically secretly and possessing something of value—something that had not been in your possession. To leave in a hurry, usually to avoid detection (for instance, during an act of escape or thievery).

A Few Synonyms

• bolt

• disappear

• hightail

• skedaddle

• vamoose

Commentary

This short two-syllable word packs a lot of punch. It’s a word worthy of a place in your arsenal. Particularly if you’re a poet.

Abscond popped up in the English language around the mid 16th century. It is derived from the Latin abscondere: “hide” (from ab-) + “away” (from condere).

Abscond is relegated to the lower tier of common vocabulary. It’s rarely used in everyday conversation. In modern written English, “abscond” occurs about 0.02 times per one million words.

For most Americans, the meaning of abscond isn’t on the brim of the brain.

However, not all is unfortunate news. Abscond is a great candidate for context-based recognition. While many people may not recognize the word outright, anecdotal observations support the likelihood that most would deduce its meaning if they encountered it in a context.

Say abscond out loud five times. Then try absconded and absconding. Sometime this week, toss one of these into a conversation. If nothing else, you’ll be a temporary warrior in the battle against cognitive decline. (Don’t disclose this as a motivation).

Big Word Meter

Examples in a Sentence

Your turn! Compose a sentence using the word abscond (or a derivative) and share as a comment. Act now, before time absconds with inspiration.

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