What does decamp mean?
To decamp is to leave a place suddenly, often secretly, and typically in order to avoid trouble, pursuit, or an obligation. The word carries overtones of stealth and haste: one might say that fraudsters decamped with investors' savings, or that a family decamped to the countryside for the weekend. It derives from the French 'décamper', literally meaning to strike camp — to take down one's tent and move on — which explains both its literal military sense (to break camp) and its figurative sense of abrupt departure. In modern usage the figurative sense dominates, and the word is common in news reporting about absconding executives, fugitives, and holidaymakers slipping off somewhere. Decamp is more colourful and slightly more formal than simply 'leave', suggesting a departure made quickly and without announcement.
To leave a place suddenly or secretly, especially to evade capture, creditors, or some other unwelcome consequence.
"The treasurer had decamped with the charity's funds weeks before anyone noticed."
Often followed by 'with' when indicating what was taken, as in 'decamped with the proceeds'.
To break camp and move on, in a literal military or camping sense.
"At first light the battalion decamped and resumed its advance."
This original sense is now largely historical or literary.
When French soldiers packed up their tents, they 'décampaient' — and English borrowed the word to describe anyone who vanishes before the bill arrives.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of decamp
Decamp comes from the French verb 'décamper', formed from the prefix 'dé-' plus 'camp', meaning literally to break camp or move off from an encampment. English adopted it in the late seventeenth century, initially in its literal military sense of striking tents and marching away. Over time it developed a figurative sense of departing suddenly or furtively, particularly in contexts involving evasion or flight. It shares its root with 'camp' itself, ultimately from Latin 'campus', meaning field or open ground.
Related word forms
How decamp is actually used
Decamp is somewhat formal or literary in tone, often used in journalism and narrative writing. It frequently appears in financial and legal contexts when describing people who abscond with money. The military sense of breaking camp is now less common than the figurative sense of sudden departure.
Easily confused with decamp
'Descend' means to move downward from a higher position, while 'decamp' means to depart suddenly or secretly from a place.
'Disembark' means to leave a ship or aircraft, whereas 'decamp' means to depart suddenly or stealthily, often to evade someone.