flee

Flee is a verb meaning to run away from danger or pursuit. It implies sudden, hurried movement to escape a threat, and can apply to people, animals, or groups. The word is often used when danger is present, such as predators, natural disasters, or hostile actors. In addition to literal movement, it can be used metaphorically to describe avoiding or escaping responsibilities or unfavorable circumstances, though that use can carry judgment.

Etymology: The term comes from Old English fleon “to flee, escape,” related to Dutch vluchten and German fliehen; it is of Germanic origin. The modern form developed in Middle English and has retained the core sense of rapid departure to avoid danger.

Usage: Flee is generally intransitive but can take a direct object in phrases like “flee the country” or “flee the scene.” It is commonly used with prepositions such as from, to, or into: flee from danger; flee to safety; flee into exile. In legal and journalistic contexts, “fleeing” is used to describe escape from law enforcement or persecution, as in “fleeing justice” or “fleeing persecution.”

See also: flight; escape; refugee; exile.