Meaning & Definition
noun
an act of breaking free from confinement or control.
The escape of the convict surprised the authorities.
a means of getting away from a place or situation.
Reading is her favorite escape from reality.
an act of avoiding something unpleasant.
His weekend trip to the mountains was a welcome escape from his stressful job.
verb
to break free from confinement or control.
The prisoners planned to escape from the maximum-security facility.
to slip away from a place or situation.
She tried to escape the boring party by pretending to get a phone call.
to avoid or evade something unpleasant.
He wished he could escape the responsibilities of adult life.
Etymology
Middle English: from Old French 'escapar', from Latin 'excapare' (to escape).
Common Phrases and Expressions
escape route:
a way out of a difficult or dangerous situation
escape artist:
a person skilled at getting out of difficult situations
run away from:
to leave a situation or place quickly in order to avoid something
Slang Meanings
bounce
Let's bounce before the party gets too crowded.
dip
I need to dip out of this meeting.