Flee

Definition

Flee typically means to run away quickly from a place or situation of danger or from something threatening.

Parts of Speech

• Verb: flee, fleeing, fled

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fli/
• Respelling: FLEE (with "FLEE" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fliː/
• Respelling: FLEE (with "FLEE" as in "see")

In both dialects, "flee" places the primary stress on the entire syllable. The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "FLEE."

Etymology

The word "flee" comes from the Old English "flēon," which is related to the Old High German "fliohan" and the Gothic "þliuhan," all meaning "to run away" or "to escape." The word has Germanic roots and has been part of the English language since before the 12th century, consistently used in contexts involving escape or evasion.

Derivatives

• Fleer (noun, rare)
• Fleeing (verb, present participle)
• Fleed (verb, archaic past tense)
• Flees (verb, third person singular present)
• Fleeting (adjective, figuratively related)

Synonyms

• Escape
• Run away
• Evade

Antonyms

• Approach
• Confront
• Face

Usage

"Flee" is often used in contexts where there is an immediate or perceived danger, and the subject of the verb is escaping from a threat, danger, or undesirable situation. It is commonly used in both everyday language and in literary or formal contexts.

Related Terms

• Abscond: To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid capture or legal punishment.
• Evade: To escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery.
• Retreat: Withdraw from enemy forces as a result of their superior power or after a defeat.

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To Escape Quickly: Describes the action of running away from a situation or place, usually due to danger, threat, or fear.
  • Example: The villagers fled from the advancing wildfire.

• To Leave a Place Suddenly: Implies a hurried departure, often without a clear plan, driven by urgency.
  • Example: He decided to flee the country to avoid arrest.

• To Evade Pursuit or Danger: Used when someone is trying to avoid being caught or confronted by fleeing the scene.
  • Example: The suspect fled the scene before the police arrived.