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

Many more illegal migrants face labor trafficking in Europe as they flee the conflict regions of North Africa and the Middle East.

From The Daily Beast

The risk to his life was great enough that he had to flee Munich when Hitler attempted to seize power in November 1923.

From The Daily Beast

As a cafe in Sydney, Australia came under siege by a hostage-taking gunman on Monday, those nearby attempted to flee the area.

From The Daily Beast

But, in Jamaica, Maurice Tomlinson was forced to flee his country after his marriage to his Canadian husband made front-page news.

From The Daily Beast

Within two years, fighting was so bad, she was forced to flee.

From The Daily Beast

The remaining guerrilla had no stomach to continue the fight, and wheeled his horse to flee.

From Project Gutenberg

As they look him in his face and his shadowy wings cover them, nature recoils and would flee from him.

From Project Gutenberg

Where sabre, lance, and bayonet, right soon would turn and flee!

From Project Gutenberg

And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the leaders of the flock to save themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, they became so frightened at this unusual type of fighting that they broke ranks and tried to flee.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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