Abscond
hardNegative toneab-SKOND
verb
Definition
To leave secretly and hide, especially to avoid arrest or prosecution
Memory hook
AB-SCOND: The thief absconded and is now BEYOND reach, hiding from the cops.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The accountant absconded with millions of dollars.”
“He tried to abscond before the police arrived.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The accountant ______ with millions of dollars.”
Show answer
absconded
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Abscond is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "flee" or "escape" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "remain".
Related GRE Words
cleave
To split or sever; OR to cling firmly to (has opposite meanings)
elude
To evade or escape from skillfully; to fail to be grasped by
accept
To receive willingly; to agree to or consent to something
appropriate
(verb) To take something for one's own use without permission; (adjective) suitable or proper
arrest
(verb) To stop or check the progress of something; to seize by legal authority
engender
To cause or give rise to; to produce or bring about
Master abscond and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.