decamp

verb

de·​camp di-ˈkamp 

dē-

decamped; decamping; decamps

intransitive verb

1

: to break up a camp

2

: to depart suddenly : abscond

decampment

di-ˈkamp-mənt 

dē-

noun

Examples of decamp in a Sentence

She took the papers and decamped.

He decamped to Europe soon after news of the scandal broke.

Recent Examples on the Web

In New York, where several of the Texas Democrats decamped to avoid arrest, Gov. Kathy Hochul held a press conference in support of the lawmakers, indicating that her majority-blue state would explore redrawing its own electoral map. —Liz Baker, NPR, 4 Aug. 2025

After marrying in 1979, the couple then decamped for New York, where Leichtman got an advanced degree in securities law—an LL.M.—at Columbia and then worked in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s enforcement division. —Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Many observers long expected the team ultimately would decamp for Arlington Heights after spending $197 million to buy the racetrack property. —Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025

After picking up 10 pizzas, Holtzman decamped in its cafeteria to speak with people about the prospect of a fashion show. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

French décamper, from Middle French descamper, from des- de- + camper to camp

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for decamp

• encamp
• headlamp
• preamp
• revamp
• timestamp
• amp
• champ
• clamp
• cramp
• damp
• gamp
• lamp

Kids Definition

decamp

verb

de·​camp di-ˈkamp 

1

: to pack up gear and leave a camp

2

: to depart suddenly : abscond

decamped with the funds

decampment

-mənt 

noun