Learn, practise and remember the word "Escape" with flashcards, spelling bee and vocabulary quizzes

Definition of Escape

To break free or get away from a confined or restricted situation, place, or state.
"She managed to escape from the burning building just in time."

Meaning and Usage of Escape

When someone escapes, they manage to evade or elude confinement, danger, or unwanted circumstances. It implies a successful act of fleeing or finding a route to freedom or safety. Escape can involve physical actions, such as running away from a captor or leaving a restrictive environment, as well as mental or emotional detachment from distressing thoughts or situations. It can also refer to finding temporary respite or relief from the demands or pressures of everyday life. The act of escaping often requires strategy, resourcefulness, and determination. People may seek to escape from physical confinement, emotional distress, or challenging situations to regain a sense of control, peace, or well-being.

Example Sentences Using Escape

1. The prisoner attempted to escape through a hidden tunnel.
2. The child's balloon slipped from their hand and floated away, out of reach.
3. The hiker found solace in nature, using it as a means to escape from the stress of daily life.
4. The cat skillfully escaped from the backyard by squeezing through a gap in the fence.
5. He couldn't escape the feeling of disappointment that lingered in his heart.
6. The adventurer embarked on a journey to escape the monotony of everyday existence.

Etymology of Escape

The verb 'escape' has a fascinating etymology that reflects its essence of breaking free or getting away. It can be traced back to the Middle English word 'escapen,' which evolved from the Old North French term 'escaper' and the Old French 'eschaper.' These Old French words, in turn, have their origins in the Late Latin 'excappare,' formed by combining 'ex,' meaning 'out of,' and 'cappa,' meaning 'cloak' or 'hood.' This etymology suggests a vivid image of someone slipping out from under a cloak or hood, much like breaking free from confinement or escaping a restraining situation. Over time, 'escape' has retained this sense of liberation, making it a word that vividly captures the idea of breaking free from confinement or restrictions.

Quiz: What Does Escape Mean?

stay

flee

remain

confront

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More Usage Examples of Escape

1. The artist used their paintings as a means to escape into a world of imagination and creativity.
2. The suspenseful movie allowed the audience to escape from reality for a couple of hours.
3. The traveler sought to escape the bustling city and find tranquility in a remote mountain village.
4. The athlete's incredible speed enabled him to escape from his pursuers on the field.
5. The novel transported readers to a fictional realm, providing an escape from their own lives.
6. The prisoner attempted to escape through a hidden tunnel.
7. She managed to escape the burning building just in time.
8. The bird's cage was left open, allowing it to escape.
9. He tried to escape the crowded subway during rush hour.
10. The thief narrowly escaped the pursuing police officers.
11. They decided to escape the city and head for the countryside.
12. The secret agent had to escape enemy territory undetected.
13. The mouse found a small hole through which to escape.
14. She wished to escape the confines of her mundane life.
15. The hiker got lost in the forest and struggled to escape.
16. The astronaut needed to escape the malfunctioning spacecraft.
17. The cat can easily escape through the open window.
18. The criminal tried to escape by swimming across the river.
19. We hoped to escape the summer heat by going to the beach.
20. The smoke made it difficult to escape the burning building.
21. The child's laughter helped him briefly escape his troubles.
22. He wanted to escape the monotony of his daily routine.
23. The prisoner planned a daring escape from the maximum-security prison.
24. The explorer narrowly escaped an encounter with a wild animal.
25. They needed a plan to escape the sinking ship safely.