Meaning & Definition of word "Escape"

Escape

/ɪˈskeɪp/

noun:

  • 1. an act of breaking free from confinement or control.
    • Example: The escape of the convict surprised the authorities.
  • 2. a means of getting away from a place or situation.
    • Example: Reading is her favorite escape from reality.
  • 3. an act of avoiding something unpleasant.
    • Example: His weekend trip to the mountains was a welcome escape from his stressful job.

verb:

  • 1. to break free from confinement or control.
    • Example: The prisoners planned to escape from the maximum-security facility.
  • 2. to slip away from a place or situation.
    • Example: She tried to escape the boring party by pretending to get a phone call.
  • 3. to avoid or evade something unpleasant.
    • Example: 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

Related Words

flee:

to run away from a place or situation of danger

elude:

to escape from or avoid someone or something

flight:

the act of fleeing or escaping

liberation:

the act of setting someone free from imprisonment or oppression

Slang Meanings of escape

Meaning: bounce

Example Sentence: Let's bounce before the party gets too crowded.

Meaning: dip

Example Sentence: I need to dip out of this meeting.