make off with
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To steal (something) and flee.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Supposing now that some of them were to slip into the boat at night and cut the cable, and make off with her? That would be a pretty go, that would.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To run away together with someone.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To capture (someone) and flee.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “make off with” mean?
To steal (something) and flee.
Is “make off with” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.