hideout

American  

[hahyd-out] / ˈhaɪdˌaʊt /

Or hide-out

noun

1. a safe place for hiding, especially from the law.

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hideout British  

/ ˈhaɪdˌaʊt /

noun

1. a hiding place, esp a remote place used by outlaws, etc; hideaway

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verb

1. to remain deliberately concealed, esp for a prolonged period of time

Etymology

Origin of hideout

First recorded in 1870–75; noun use of verb phrase hide out

Explanation

A hideout is a secret place where someone can take refuge. Criminals or outlaws often lie low in a hideout to avoid being found by the police. A car thief might use his grandmother's apartment as a hideout to avoid detection. A group of ten year-olds might also have a hideout, a place that's protected from parents, bullies, older siblings, and anyone else who might interfere. Before the first use of hideout, in the 1880s, came the verb phrase hide out, or "hide from authorities," which was coined during the Civil War in reference to draft dodgers.

Example Sentences

A recent New York Times report found that the suspected hideout in Ecuador was actually a rural cattle and dairy farm, and residents reported harsh treatment by Colombian forces during the raid.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

The attack on Oseguera’s hideout dramatized Sheinbaum’s willingness to accept a more kinetic approach, despite the risks.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

Police said Friday they found and arrested Manus Boonjumnong, 45, a suspect wanted for failing to appear in court on two counts of fraud, at a "hideout" in Nonthaburi province.

From Barron's • Dec. 20, 2025

Hassan’s hideout is uncertain, but multiple current and former Syrian and Western officials suspect he is in Lebanon, where former regime intelligence officials are rebuilding a network of support.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

We can only let him go once Scipio has found a new hideout.

From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke

Related Words

• hideaway
• refuge
• sanctuary
• shelter