Definition
To leave quickly or suddenly; to run away.
Example
When the dog barked, the cat decided to scat.
Tense Forms
Past: scatted
Past Participle: scatted
Conversation

I saw you scat out of the party last night; what happened?

Oh, I just got tired and needed to leave quickly.

Yeah, I totally understand why you'd want to scat sometimes.

Exactly! Sometimes you just need to make a quick exit.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Definition
The waste matter produced by animals, often referred to as dung or feces.
Example
The hiker found animal scat on the trail, indicating wildlife was nearby.
Conversation

When we were hiking, I noticed some animal scat on the trail.

Oh really? That sounds interesting! What kind of animal do you think it was from?

I’m not sure, but I think it might have been from a deer.
Root Explanation
The word 'scat' originates from the Old English 'scæt', meaning excrement or droppings. It refers specifically to animal waste, often used in the context of tracking wildlife.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word for droppings — that's why 'scat' refers to animal waste.
Visually Confused Words
scrat
sceat
scaut
scart
scant
scalt
sat
cat