Language · 3
Where does the word 'elope' likely originate from?
Answer
From Dutch 'to steal away'
The word 'elope' likely comes from Dutch 'lopen' meaning 'to run' or 'to steal away,' reflecting the secretive nature of running away to get married.
💡 Did you know?
Originally 'elope' could mean for a woman to run away with a lover without parental consent, which was considered scandalous in earlier centuries.
Other options people guess
- From a Latin word for 'run'
- From old English 'to leap'
- From French 'l'échapper'
Topics
- etymology
- Dutch
- love
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