fled

Fled is the simple past tense and past participle of the English verb flee. It means to run away from danger, harm, pursuit, or an adverse situation. The verb is irregular: the present tense is flee, the past tense and past participle are fled. For example: “When the fire broke out, residents fled the building.” “The refugees fled the country to seek asylum.” The form is used both with and without a direct object, often with a prepositional phrase such as from, into, or toward.

Etymology: Flee derives from Old English flēon, a Germanic root related to running away; the past tense fled appears in early Middle English and has remained irregular in modern English.

Usage and nuance: Fled implies sudden movement caused by fear or danger. It can describe humans or animals and is common in historical, journalistic, and literary contexts. The verb contrasts with “escape,” which can emphasize successful evasion, while “flee” foregrounds urgency and fear. In passive constructions, “fled” can appear as a participial clause: “Having fled, they sought refuge.”