escapade

American  

[es-kuh-peyd, es-kuh-peyd] / ˈɛs kəˌpeɪd, ˌɛs kəˈpeɪd /

noun

1. a reckless adventure or wild prank.

2. an escape from confinement or restraint.

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escapade British  

/ ˌɛskəˈpeɪd, ˈɛskəˌpeɪd /

noun

1. a wild or exciting adventure, esp one that is mischievous or unlawful; scrape

2. any lighthearted or carefree episode; prank; romp

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Etymology

Origin of escapade

1645–55; < French < Spanish escapada, equivalent to escap ( ar ) to escape + -ada -ade ¹

Explanation

An escapade is an adventure, tinged with a hint of danger. A road trip could be an escapade, or a few weeks making a living as a professional gambler, or posing as your twin sister and taking a test for her in math. You'll notice the similarities between the words escapade and escape. Usually an escapade involves some form of escape. If you cut class and spend the day at the beach, that's an escapade. If you cut class to watch former figure-skating greats boogying to Broadway tunes on ice, that's an escapade at the Ice Capades.

Related Words

• antic
• fling