Flee
/fliː/
Definitions
To escape or run away from a place or situation, often because of danger or fear.
/fliː/
To run away from a dangerous or unpleasant situation.
The bank robbers fled the scene of the crime.
💡 Simply: Imagine a scary monster is chasing you. What do you do? You flee! It means to run away really fast to get out of danger.
👶 For kids: To run away from something scary or bad.
More Examples
The animals fled from the forest fire.
She had to flee an abusive relationship.
How It's Used
"The refugees had to flee their homes because of the war."
"The deer will flee if it senses danger."
Idioms & expressions
flee the scene
To quickly escape from a place, especially after committing a crime or being involved in an unpleasant situation.
"The getaway driver fled the scene after the robbery."
From Old English *flēon*, meaning 'to run away, escape'. Ultimately from Proto-Germanic *flauhaną*. Related to the word 'fly'.
Used frequently in historical texts to describe escapes from battles, persecution, and natural disasters.
Memory tip
Think of a "flea" - you'd "flee" if you had one!