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

Related Words

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