Skedaddle — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ski-ˈda-dᵊl/ ske·dad·dle

Meaning & Definition of Skedaddle

Skedaddle (verb)

  1. to leave immediately, run away, scram; especially, to flee in a panic

Skedaddle (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening

    "we skedaddled as soon as we saw the snake entering our campsite"

    similar: bolt, break, bug out, flee, fly, hightail (it), retreat, run, run away, run off, beat a retreat, beat it, make tracks, turn tail
    related: abscond, clear out, decamp, elope, escape, get (away), get out, lam, light out, make off, mizzle (chiefly British), scarper (British), scat, scram, skip (out), skirr
    near: beard, brave, confront, dare, defy, face, abide, dwell, hang around, linger, remain, stay, stick around, tarry

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Skedaddle

The most common words with a similar meaning to Skedaddle:

bolt, break, bug out, flee, fly, hightail (it), retreat, run, run away, run off, beat a retreat, beat it, make tracks, turn tail

Related Words for Skedaddle

abscond, clear out, decamp, elope, escape, get (away), get out, lam, light out, make off, mizzle, scarper, scat, scram, skip (out), skirr

Near Antonyms of Skedaddle

beard, brave, confront, dare, defy, face, abide, dwell, hang around, linger, remain, stay, stick around, tarry

Word Forms of Skedaddle

Inflections: skedaddled, skedaddling, skedaddles

Derived words: skedaddler (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Skedaddle

probably alteration of British dialect scaddle to run off in a fright, from scaddle, adjective, wild, timid, skittish, from Middle English scathel, skadylle harmful, fierce, wild, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skathi harm scathe

First known use: 1859

Frequently Asked Questions about Skedaddle

What does "Skedaddle" mean?

"Skedaddle" means to leave immediately, run away, scram; especially, to flee in a panic. As a verb, it is defined as: to leave immediately, run away, scram; especially, to flee in a panic.

What is another word for "Skedaddle"?

Other words for "Skedaddle" include bolt, break, bug out, flee, fly, hightail (it), retreat and run. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Skedaddle" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Skedaddle"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Skedaddle". Common alternatives include bolt, break, bug out, flee, fly, hightail (it), retreat, run, run away and run off.

How do you use "Skedaddle" in a sentence?

Examples of "Skedaddle" in a sentence: "we skedaddled as soon as we saw the snake entering our campsite".

Is "Skedaddle" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Skedaddle" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Skedaddle"?

"Skedaddle" is pronounced /ski-ˈda-dᵊl/ and divided into syllables as ske·dad·dle.

What is the origin of the word "Skedaddle"?

"Skedaddle" comes from probably alteration of British dialect scaddle to run off in a fright, from scaddle, adjective, wild, timid, skittish, from Middle English scathel, skadylle harmful, fierce, wild, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skathi harm scathe. First known use: 1859.

What is another word for "Skedaddle" meaning "to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening"?

When "Skedaddle" (verb) means to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening, synonyms include bolt, break, bug out, flee, fly and hightail (it).