decamp

verb

de·​camp di-ˈkamp How to pronounce decamp (audio)
dē-
decamped; decamping; decamps
Synonyms of decampnext

intransitive verb

1
: to break up a camp
2
: to depart suddenly : abscond
decampment
di-ˈkamp-mənt How to pronounce decamp (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the summer of 2018, Zapcic decamped for the western castle in Buena Park. — Alessandra Schade, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026 During the spring and summer of 2023, Michael Kiwanuka decamped to a small, remote recording studio near his home in Southampton, England. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026 But the filmmaker has said he was once offered the opportunity to decamp and direct a rival James Bond film. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 The family decamped to a patch of as-yet-undeveloped swampland near the Everglades, convinced that others would join them. — Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decamp

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of decamp was in 1676

Rhymes for decamp

See All Rhymes for decamp

Browse Nearby Words

decametric
decamp
decampment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decamp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decamp. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

decamp

verb
de·​camp di-ˈkamp How to pronounce decamp (audio)
1
: to pack up gear and leave a camp
2
: to depart suddenly : abscond
decamped with the funds
decampment
-mənt How to pronounce decamp (audio)
noun

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