elope
What does "elope" mean?
To elope means to run away secretly with a romantic partner, typically with the intention of getting married immediately and without the knowledge or consent of parents or family. The mental image is one of two lovers sneaking out of a window under the cover of darkness to start a life together elsewhere. While historically associated with forbidden love and parental disapproval, the term is now commonly used for any small, private wedding ceremony held away from home. It is often used to describe a couple choosing to skip the stress and expense of a traditional, large-scale wedding in favor of an intimate, spontaneous elopement.
"elope" in conversation
Discussing wedding plans
I’m honestly so tired of planning this huge wedding.
I’m honestly so tired of planning this huge wedding.
Me too. What if we just elope to Italy next month?
Me too. What if we just elope to Italy next month?
Shows the modern usage where eloping implies a destination wedding.
Gossip among friends
Did you hear? Leo and Sarah didn't invite anyone to their ceremony.
Did you hear? Leo and Sarah didn't invite anyone to their ceremony.
Yeah, they decided to elope at the courthouse yesterday.
Yeah, they decided to elope at the courthouse yesterday.
Highlights the casual, private nature of the act.
"elope" in a sentence
They decided to elope in Las Vegas.
They decided to elope in Las Vegas.
The young couple eloped after their parents forbade them from seeing each other.
The young couple eloped after their parents forbade them from seeing each other.
Rather than navigate the complexities of a traditional ceremony, they chose to elope in a quiet ceremony on the coast.
Rather than navigate the complexities of a traditional ceremony, they chose to elope in a quiet ceremony on the coast.
