1 scarper | Definition of scarper
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scarper

verb
scar·​per | \ ˈskär-pÉ™r How to pronounce scarper (audio) \
scarpered; scarpering; scarpers

Definition of scarper

intransitive verb

British
: flee, run away broadly : leave, depart
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about scarper

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Examples of scarper in a Sentence

I went looking for Sally at the pub, but she'd scarpered.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Idrissa Gueye has scarpered, but that void was instantly filled by Mainz midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin - while Moise Kean, goodness knows how, has signed from Juventus to sharpen things up front. — SI.com, "#FreeZouma, Doucoure Hunt Resumes & Coleman Alternative: Everton News Roundup," 5 Aug. 2019 Ms Collett compares it to the muggy period before a thunderstorm, when the squirrels have scarpered and the air is pregnant with foreboding of trouble ahead. — The Economist, "Europe’s passport-free zone faces a grim future," 21 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scarper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of scarper

circa 1846, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for scarper

probably ultimately from Italian scappare, from Vulgar Latin *excappare — more at escape

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More from Merriam-Webster on scarper

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with scarper

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scarper

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