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View synonyms for flee

flee

[ flee ]

verb (used without object)

, fled [fled], flee·ing.
  1. to run away, as from danger or pursuers; take flight.
  2. to move swiftly; fly; speed.


verb (used with object)

, fled, flee·ing.
  1. to run away from (a place, person, etc.).

    Synonyms: elude, shun, avoid, escape, evade

flee

1

/ fliː /

verb

  1. a Scot word for fly 1
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a Scot word for fly 2
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

flee

2

/ fliː /

verb

  1. to run away from (a place, danger, etc); fly

    to flee the country

  2. intr to run or move quickly; rush; speed

    she fled to the door

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈfleer, noun
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Other Words From

  • outflee verb (used with object) outfled outfleeing
  • un·fleeing adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of flee1

First recorded before 900; Middle English fleen, Old English flēon; cognate with Old High German flichan ( German fliehen ), Gothic thliuhan; compare Old English fleogan “to fly”; fly 2
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Word History and Origins

Origin of flee1

Old English flēon ; related to Old Frisian fliā , Old High German fliohan , Gothic thliuhan
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Example Sentences

Researchers wondered whether ray spiders might have evolved the ability to anticipate a mosquito’s movements based on auditory cues to entangle it before it can flee.

Protesting villagers are roughed up, intimidated and even shot, as others flee into caves.

Police responded with tear gas, as people tried to flee.

From BBC

Paul Sakouvogi said the stadium had "only one exit... which was very small", where the crush occurred as people tried to flee.

From BBC

Garcia tried to flee from the disabled vehicle, but a “good Samaritan kept him there” and called police, according to prosecutor Jamie Cimino.

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