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.
There is no doubt a case to be made on paper for why Paramount would save money in the long-term by decamping from its native California. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026 Many locals decamp to the mountains, while their friends and colleagues across the border in France use the month to take their annual holidays. — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026 Rosie O’Donnell is experiencing a career revival after decamping to Ireland in January 2025. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026 Shein decamped to London, where Britain's regulator approved the listing but the CSRC, China's securities regulator, never blessed it. — Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 28 July 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 18 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on decamp

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for decamp

Nglish: Translation of decamp for Spanish Speakers

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