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

noun

1. a Scot word for fly 2

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

Derived Forms

• ˈfleer, noun

Other Words From

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flee¹

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

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.

From Science Magazine

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• depart
• desert
• fly
• get
• jump
• leave
• retreat
• take off
• vanish