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.

Noun

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