getaway

[ get-uh-wey ]

/ ˈgɛt əˌweɪ /

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See synonyms for getaway on Thesaurus.com

noun

a getting away or fleeing; an escape.

the start of a race: a fast getaway.

a place where one escapes for relaxation, vacation, etc., or a period of time for such recreation: a little seaside getaway; a two-week getaway in the Bahamas.

adjective

used as a means of escape or fleeing: a stolen getaway car.

used for occasional relaxation, retreat, or reclusion: a weekend getaway house.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of getaway

First recorded in 1850–55; noun use of verb phrase get away

Words nearby getaway

get a rise out of, get around, get at, get-at-able, get a thing about, getaway, get away with, get a word in edgewise, get back, get back at, get back to

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use getaway in a sentence

One problem with choosing a hiking destination for our first real getaway since the coronavirus was that our bodies were more in pandemic shape than anyone’s definition of “fit.”
Autumn in the Adirondacks is a mountain do|Debra Bruno|October 30, 2020|Washington Post
Still, as sophisticated as the analysis is, it doesn’t yet say how the information makes its getaway.
The Most Famous Paradox in Physics Nears Its End|George Musser|October 29, 2020|Quanta Magazine
So if you’re looking for a beach getaway, a wine trip or even a luxurious spa weekend, here are five socially distanced ways to still make your bachelorette festivities extra-special, even with added safety precautions in mind.
5 Socially Distant Bachelorette Destination Ideas|Charli Penn|October 1, 2020|Essence.com
If you can still plan a getaway, our local restaurants are open, many with outdoor and socially distant seating.
Fall is Still Beach Season|Lee Ann Wilkinson|September 24, 2020|Washington Blade

Kathryn RomeynCalifornia is a perfect getaway nearly all year long.
27 Epic Trips to Start Planning Now|The Editors|September 8, 2020|Outside Online
They tried to continue their getaway but had to quickly abandon their vehicle on the Rue de Meaux in the 19th.
Police Hunt for Paris Massacre Suspects|Tracy McNicoll, Christopher Dickey|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
After he allegedly unloaded on the cops, Brinsley attempted to make a getaway to a nearby subway.
Alleged Cop Killer Ismaaiyl Brinsley Had a Death Wish|M.L. Nestel|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Either way, guests seeking a holiday getaway there can also enjoy a tingle of telling truth to power by posting their own reviews.
Inside the ‘Surprisingly Great’ North Korean Hacker Hotel|Michael Daly|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Getaway Car is lousy with these throwaway lines and asides.
Donald E. Westlake, The Man With The Getaway Face|Malcolm Jones|October 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Excerpted from The Getaway Car: A Donald Westlake Nonfiction Miscellany.
Donald E. Westlake Defends the Semicolon|Donald E. Westlake|October 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
"The other one's making a getaway, Mr. McKibben," sang out Chub excitedly.
Motor Matt's "Century" Run|Stanley R. Matthews
"Dangerfield was sure doing everything he could to make a safe getaway into Mexico," said he.
Motor Matt's "Century" Run|Stanley R. Matthews
Landy related fully the incident as to why he knew that Hulls Barrow and Maizie planned a quick getaway.
David Lannarck, Midget|George S. Harney
"You should have made a getaway in the Manhattan," Ben said, in a moment.
Boy Scouts in the Philippines|G. Harvey Ralphson
We just thought he might have beat it into this room for a getaway.
The Ghost Breaker|Charles Goddard

British Dictionary definitions for getaway

get away

verb (adverb, mainly intr)

to make an escape; leave

to make a start

get away with

to steal and escape (with money, goods, etc)
to do (something wrong, illegal, etc) without being discovered or punished or with only a minor punishment

interjection

an exclamation indicating mild disbelief

noun getaway

the act of escaping, esp by criminals

a start or acceleration

(modifier) used for escapinga getaway car

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

Other Idioms and Phrases with getaway

get away

Break free, escape, as in The suspect ran down the street and got away, or I wanted to come but couldn't get away from the office. [c. 1300] A variant is get away from it all, meaning “to depart and leave one's surroundings or problems or work behind.” For example, Joe is taking a few days off—he needs to get away from it all.

Start out or leave quickly, as in The greyhounds got away from the starting gate, or I thought I had the answer but it got away from me.

Go, move off. For example, Get away from my desk! or Get away—I don't want you near that hot stove. [Late 1700s] Also see get away with.