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Evacuating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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evacuating

[ɪˈvækjʊˌeɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

emergency

To evacuate means to leave a place because it is no longer safe, usually due to a disaster or emergency situation.

Synonyms

depart, escape, flee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flee

Implies leaving quickly because of immediate danger or threat, often with a sense of panic.

  • The villagers had to flee from the invading army.
  • He decided to flee the country to avoid persecution.
escape

When you need to leave a place because you are in danger or trapped.

  • The prisoners tried to escape from the jail.
  • She managed to escape the abusive relationship.
depart

When you just need to leave a place without any sense of urgency or danger.

  • We will depart for our trip early in the morning.
  • The train departs from platform six.

Examples of usage

  • People were evacuating their homes as the hurricane approached.
  • The government ordered a mandatory evacuation of the area.
  • We need to evacuate immediately to ensure our safety.
Context #2 | Verb

building

To evacuate also means to remove people from a building or area for safety reasons.

Synonyms

clear out, evict, remove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
evacuating

Used in emergency situations or when there's an immediate need to leave a place, such as during natural disasters or threats.

  • The town is evacuating due to the approaching hurricane
  • The school had to evacuate because of a fire alarm
remove

A general term used for taking something or someone away from a place. It can be used in various contexts including everyday situations.

  • Can you please remove the dishes from the table? They had to remove the old files from the computer
clear out

Often used in informal contexts to describe the act of leaving a place quickly or clearing an area of people or things.

  • We need to clear out the garage this weekend
  • The police told everyone to clear out of the building
evict

Used in legal or formal contexts when someone is being legally forced to leave a property, usually for not paying rent or violating terms of agreement. It has a negative connotation.

  • The landlord had to evict the tenants for not paying rent
  • He was evicted from the apartment for breaking the lease agreement

Examples of usage

  • The fire alarm went off, and we had to evacuate the building.
  • The school practiced evacuation procedures regularly.
  • The hotel staff evacuated guests when the earthquake hit.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'evacuare,' meaning 'to make empty' or 'to remove.'
  • It was first used in English in the late 14th century, initially referring to medical practices of clearing the bowels.
  • Evacuating took on a broader meaning during World War II, referring to civilians and military personnel relocating to avoid danger.

Emergency Management

  • Evacuating is a critical part of disaster preparedness, ensuring the safety of people during natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods.
  • Emergency services typically provide evacuation plans that include safe routes and advice on what to take when leaving.
  • In many cases, designated shelters are set up to provide a safe refuge for those who evacuate from their homes.

Psychology

  • Evacuating can trigger strong emotions like fear and anxiety, as people often leave behind their homes and belongings.
  • Research shows that effective communication during evacuation can help ease panic and improve public compliance.
  • Post-evacuation, individuals might experience feelings of displacement, which requires psychological support in recovery phases.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict dramatic evacuations during scenes of natural disasters, emphasizing the chaos and urgency of leaving for safety.
  • The TV series 'The Walking Dead' frequently showcases evacuation scenarios as characters attempt to escape zombie-infested areas, highlighting survival instincts.
  • Gaming culture features evacuation plots, such as in 'Left 4 Dead', where players must reach safe zones amid a chaotic zombie apocalypse.

Science

  • In geology, the evacuation of magma during volcanic eruptions can cause explosive events, leading to ash clouds and lava flows.
  • In space science, evacuating crews from space stations like the International Space Station is a critical protocol for safety during emergencies.
  • Marine biology studies often involve evacuating wildlife from affected habitats to protect them during oil spills or environmental disasters.

Origin of 'evacuating'

The word 'evacuate' originated from the Latin word 'evacuare', which means 'to empty'. It first appeared in English in the mid-16th century. The concept of evacuating people for safety reasons has been practiced throughout history, especially during times of war or natural disasters. The importance of timely evacuation in saving lives has been recognized globally, leading to the development of evacuation plans and procedures in various organizations and communities.

See also: evacuate, evacuation.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,546, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.