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Escapee: meaning, definitions and examples

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escapee

 

[ɪˌskeɪˈpiː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fugitive

A person who has escaped from a place or is in hiding, especially to avoid arrest or persecution.

Synonyms

fugitive, outlaw, runaway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
escapee

This term is used to describe a person who has managed to get out of confinement or captivity, such as a prison or similar secure facility.

  • The police are searching for the escapee who broke out of the county jail last night
fugitive

This word is commonly used to refer to someone who is on the run from the law or has escaped from legal custody. It has a somewhat formal tone.

  • The FBI has issued a warrant for the fugitive who is believed to have fled the country
runaway

This word typically describes someone, often a child or teenager, who has left home without permission to escape a situation. It can also refer to someone who has fled from a difficult or dangerous situation.

  • The authorities are looking for the runaway teenager who was last seen at the bus station
outlaw

This term is often used to describe someone who has committed serious crimes and is living outside the law, often in a historical or Wild West context. It carries a negative connotation.

  • Billy the Kid was a famous outlaw in the American Old West

Examples of usage

  • The police are searching for the escapee who fled from the prison last night.
  • The escapee managed to evade capture for several weeks.
Context #2 | Noun

prisoner

A person who has escaped from a place of detention.

Synonyms

absconder, fugitive, runaway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
escapee

This word is used to describe someone who has escaped from a place where they were confined or under supervision, like a prison, hospital, or a prison camp.

  • The police are looking for an escapee from the local jail.
  • The escapee was on the run for several days before being caught.
fugitive

This word is used for someone who is running away to avoid being captured, often because they have committed a crime. It has a broad application and doesn't necessarily imply escaping from a physical place of confinement.

  • The fugitive was last seen heading towards the border.
  • After escaping from prison, the fugitive managed to stay out of sight for years.
runaway

This term is usually applied to someone, often young, who has left home without permission. It can also refer to someone leaving an unpleasant or dangerous situation.

  • The police located the runaway teenager at a friend's house.
  • She was a runaway bride, having left her groom at the altar.
absconder

This term often describes someone who has left hurriedly and secretly, usually to avoid arrest or legal obligations. It can also refer to those who avoid paying debts or evade justice.

  • The absconder fled the country to avoid prosecution.
  • Authorities are searching for the absconder who skipped bail.

Examples of usage

  • The escapee was serving a sentence for robbery before fleeing the prison.
  • The authorities warned the public to be cautious of the escapee.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word combines 'escape' from Old French 'escaper,' meaning to flee, and the suffix '-ee,' which denotes the person who is affected by that action.
  • The term started to be used in the English language around the mid-19th century, reflecting changes in crime and law enforcement.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, an escapee often refers to a prisoner who has broken free from custody or incarceration.
  • Escapees can face additional charges for escaping, which can lead to longer sentences.

Pop Culture

  • Films often glamorize escapees as heroes, such as in 'The Shawshank Redemption,' where the protagonist plans a clever breakout.
  • Reality TV shows sometimes feature escape scenarios to see who can evade capture the longest, becoming entertaining spectacles.

Psychology

  • Escape behavior can stem from various psychological stresses, with some individuals feeling trapped in their environments and seeking freedom.
  • The act of escaping can also represent a psychological desire to break free from societal norms or expectations.

History

  • Throughout history, notable figures have been escapees, like Harriet Tubman, who led many to freedom along the Underground Railroad.
  • World War II saw many prisoners of war attempting daring escapes, with some even creating makeshift tunnels.

Translations

Translations of the word "escapee" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fugitivo

🇮🇳 भागा हुआ कैदी

🇩🇪 Flüchtling

🇮🇩 pelarian

🇺🇦 утікач

🇵🇱 uciekinier

🇯🇵 逃亡者 (とうぼうしゃ)

🇫🇷 fugitif

🇪🇸 fugitivo

🇹🇷 kaçak

🇰🇷 도망자

🇸🇦 هارب

🇨🇿 uprchlík

🇸🇰 utečenec

🇨🇳 逃犯 (táofàn)

🇸🇮 begunec

🇮🇸 flóttamaður

🇰🇿 қашқын

🇬🇪 გაქცეული

🇦🇿 qaçan

🇲🇽 fugitivo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,889 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.