elope — English Dictionary

Verb

1. Of a married or engaged person, to run away from home with a paramour.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

2. Of an unmarried person, to run away secretly for the purpose of getting married with one's intended spouse; to marry in a quick or private fashion, especially without a public period of engagement.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   My younger sister has left all her friends-- has eloped; has thrown herself into the power of-- of Mr. Wickham.

   More examples (1)

   Although Cecilia was the youngest of the surviving Thrale daughters, she had been the first to marry, eloping to Gretna Green in 1795 with John Meredith Mostyn of neighboring Llewesog Lodge. Both were underage.

   "[Molly:] —It was the same last time [You-Know-Who] was powerful, people eloping left right and centre– —Including you and Dad, said Ginny slyly."

   More examples (2)

   Although they had eloped in Vegas, she'd insisted he wear a tuxedo and she buy a wedding dress at one of the local stores.

   They knew each other for maybe a month before they eloped in Vegas.

3. Of an unmarried person, to run away secretly from home in order to get married without parental or guardian consent.

   Usage

   • Dated
   • Intransitive

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   '[…] We were within a few hours of eloping together for Scotland. The treachery, or the folly, of my cousin's maid betrayed us. I was banished to the house of a relation far distant, and she was allowed no liberty, no society, no amusement, till my father's point was gained […]'

4. To escape from one's caretaker.

   Examples

   Six-year-old Casey eloped during recess and police found him watching traffic lights at the intersection.

5. To run away from home (for any reason).

   Usage

   • Dated
   • Intransitive

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   He had been intended by his father for trade, but his spirit, soaring above the occupation for which he was designed, from repining led him to resist, and from resisting, to rebel. He eloped from his friends, and contrived to enter the army.

   That horrid girl of mine has been trying to run away. I had not a notion of her being such a little devil before, she seemed to have all the Vernon milkiness; but on receiving the letter in which I declared my intention about Sir James, she actually attempted to elope; at least, I cannot otherwise account for her doing it. She meant, I suppose, to go to the Clarks in Staffordshire, for she has no other acquaintances.

   If we'd been a bit quicker, we could have caught Gowan before he eloped

Verb

1. run away secretly with one's beloved

   Synonyms

   run off

   Broader terms

   fleeflytake flight

   Examples

   The young couple eloped and got married in Las Vegas