elopement

/i'loupmənt/
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elopement

A young couple's elopement takes them to a small chapel at sunset.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The act of running away secretly with a lover, especially to get married: It refers to the action of leaving one's home or usual place, often without parental consent or public announcement, to marry a romantic partner.
Usage
  • As a Subject: "Elopement" is used as a subject in a sentence to name the act itself.
  • As an Object: It is used as the object of a verb or preposition.
  • Context: The word is typically used in contexts involving romance, marriage, secrecy, and sometimes family disapproval.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • Their sudden elopement surprised all their friends and family.
    • The novel's plot revolves around the elopement of the two young protagonists.
    • In the 19th century, elopement was sometimes the only option for couples facing strong parental opposition.
Advanced Usage
  • Legal/Historical Context: In historical or legal discussions, "elopement" might be examined in terms of marriage laws, age of consent, or property rights.
    • The lawyer discussed the legal ramifications of an elopement in the absence of parental consent for minors.
  • Figurative Use: Rarely, it can be used figuratively to describe a sudden, secretive departure for any passionate endeavor.
    • The CEO's elopement with the company's top engineers to start a rival firm was the talk of the industry.
Variants and Related Words
  • Elope (verb): To run away secretly to get married.
    • They decided to elope to Las Vegas.
  • Eloper (noun): A person who elopes.
Synonyms
  • Runaway marriage: A marriage conducted by eloping.
  • Secret marriage: A marriage kept hidden, which may involve elopement.
Antonyms
  • Formal wedding: A traditional, publicly announced wedding ceremony.
  • Arranged marriage: A marriage planned and agreed upon by families, contrasting with the impulsive nature of an elopement.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • To run off with someone: An informal phrase similar in meaning to "elope."
    • He ran off with his childhood sweetheart.
  • A Gretna Green marriage: A historical idiom referring to elopement, specifically to Gretna Green in Scotland, a famous destination for English couples seeking to marry under Scottish law.
    • Their plan was a classic Gretna Green marriage.
elopement

A young couple's elopement takes them to a small chapel at sunset.

Noun
  1. the act of running away with a lover (usually to get married)