extrication

American  

[ek-stri-key-shuhn] / ˌɛk strɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of freeing a trapped or entangled person or thing.

   In an avalanche, rapid extrication of victims within 10 to 20 minutes of burial is essential for survival.

   Unexpectedly, it is the children who bear the burden of the family's extrication from the problems overtaking them.

---

Other Word Forms

• nonextrication noun

Etymology

Origin of extrication

First recorded in 1610–20; equivalent to Latin extrīcāre ( extricate ( def. ) ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "The extrication was especially challenging with fuel lines running throughout the aircraft's chassis and aviation fuel stored in its wings."

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

The extrication of the federal workforce from routine economic activity means comparisons, even after data reporting returns, will be askew until normalization sets back in.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 11, 2025

There appeared to be people trapped in vehicles, with the department reporting “some with extrication needs.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2023

Wenatchee Valley Fire Department Chief Brian Brett said this was the first time his department had been tasked to use extrication equipment for a mountain rescue.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 12, 2022

Indeed, that seems in some places the only way to extrication from the labyrinth.

From A Month in Yorkshire by White, Walter

Related Words

• breakout
• departure
• desertion
• disappearance
• flight
• freedom
• liberation
• outbreak
• rescue
• withdrawal