Legal Definitions - abscond

Definition: Abscond means leaving a place secretly or suddenly to avoid something, such as being arrested or prosecuted. It can also mean leaving with someone else's money or property. Absconding is usually a criminal offense that can result in imprisonment.

For example, if someone steals money from a bank and then leaves the country to avoid being caught, they are absconding. Another example is if someone is supposed to appear in court but instead runs away to another state to avoid the legal process.

These examples illustrate how absconding involves leaving a place or jurisdiction in a secretive or sudden manner to avoid something, whether it be legal consequences or the return of stolen property.