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.

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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

NHRA’s traveling safety team, like its counterparts, is comprised of firefighters, paramedics and EMTs who are trained in motorsports injuries, evacuation and extrication.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 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

The meshes were woven round him with consummate ingenuity, and every effort at extrication only drew them tighter and tighter.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol III, No 13, 1851 by Various

Related Words

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