Definitions

flee

[flee] / fli /

VERB

run away to escape

Synonyms

STRONGEST

depart desert fly get jump leave retreat take off vanish

STRONG

abscond avoid blow bolt break decamp elude evade hotfoot scamper scoot scram skedaddle skip slip slip away split vamoose

WEAK

beat a hasty retreat cut and run cut out fly the coop get away get the hell out make a getaway make off make one's escape make oneself scarce make quick exit make tracks step on it step on the gas take a hike take flight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

arrive come continue face stay

STRONG

dawdle join meet take on wait

WEAK

stand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I’ve found in prior research that immigration enforcement reduces enrollment by causing some to flee and deterring newcomers.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

South African police say have they arrested "wanted fugitive" French-born Beninese activist Kemi Seba while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Europe through Zimbabwe.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Many tried to flee to the nearest safe place, the town of Tawila.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

I’d heard stories of what they’d done to a distant cousin of mine, who had to flee his home after his second child was born.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

He offered Bunch money to help him flee.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

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