Getaway: meaning, definitions and examples

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getaway

[ˈɡɛtəˌweɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

planned trip

A getaway is a planned trip or vacation, usually taken to escape from daily routine or stress. It is a short period of time spent away from home, often in a different location, to relax and rejuvenate.

Synonyms

escape, retreat, vacation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
getaway	Used when referring to a short trip or a quick vacation, often to a nearby place. It usually connotes a brief period of relaxation or adventure away from the daily routine. We planned a weekend getaway to the beach to unwind. A two-day getaway in the mountains sounds perfect.
retreat	Often used to describe a quiet, serene place away from the hustle and bustle, where one can relax or reflect. It can also imply a formal or organized event focused on rest, recovery, or spiritual growth. The company organized a retreat for employees to bond and relax. He went on a silent retreat to meditate and find peace.
escape	Implies a need to break free from constraints or unpleasant situations. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses, often with a sense of urgency or necessity. She needed to escape from her stressful job. The prisoners managed to escape from jail during the night.
vacation	Refers to an extended period of leisure time often spent away from home or work, usually involving travel. It can be either domestic or international, and may be planned well in advance. They are planning a vacation to Europe next summer. After a year of hard work, a vacation in Hawaii sounds delightful.

Examples of usage

We are planning a romantic getaway to the mountains.
She needed a getaway to clear her mind and relax.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

escape

A getaway can also refer to an escape or a means of fleeing from a situation, often used in the context of a criminal escaping from the scene of a crime.

Synonyms

escape, flee, flight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
getaway	Used when referring to a short vacation or a place to which one retreats for relaxation. We planned a weekend getaway to the mountains. Our beach getaway was exactly what we needed to recharge.
escape	Used when someone breaks free from confinement or avoids a dangerous or unpleasant situation. The prisoners staged a daring escape from the high-security prison. She needed an escape from the stresses of daily life.
flight	Used to describe the act of running away or escaping, often in a formal or literary context. Their sudden flight to the border caught everyone by surprise. He was deeply involved in the flight of refugees from the war zone.
flee	Used when someone runs away from danger or an unpleasant situation, often suggesting urgency or panic. The villagers had to flee their homes due to the approaching wildfire. She decided to flee the country in order to avoid prosecution.

Examples of usage

The thief made a quick getaway before the police arrived.
The getaway car was waiting for them outside.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

vehicle

In criminal terms, a getaway can also refer to the vehicle used to escape from a crime scene, typically a car or a motorcycle.

Synonyms

escape vehicle, vehicle of escape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
getaway	Used to describe a place where you can relax or take a short vacation, often a quick trip to get a break from daily life. It can also refer to the act of escaping or fleeing, especially in a hurry. We planned a weekend getaway to the mountains to relax and unwind. The thieves made a quick getaway after robbing the bank.
escape vehicle	This term is typically used to describe a car or another mode of transport specifically used to flee a crime scene or a dangerous situation. It has a somewhat formal and specific connotation. The police traced the escape vehicle to a remote location outside the city. In the movie, the hero uses an escape vehicle to get away from the villains.

Word

Description / Examples

getaway

Used to describe a place where you can relax or take a short vacation, often a quick trip to get a break from daily life. It can also refer to the act of escaping or fleeing, especially in a hurry.

We planned a weekend getaway to the mountains to relax and unwind.
The thieves made a quick getaway after robbing the bank.

escape vehicle

This term is typically used to describe a car or another mode of transport specifically used to flee a crime scene or a dangerous situation. It has a somewhat formal and specific connotation.

The police traced the escape vehicle to a remote location outside the city.
In the movie, the hero uses an escape vehicle to get away from the villains.

Examples of usage

The police are on the lookout for the getaway vehicle.
They abandoned the getaway car and fled on foot.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term originates from the combination of 'get' and 'away', which reflects the idea of escaping from one place to another.
It was first used in English in the 17th century, often associated with the idea of fleeing or leaving swiftly.
The concept has evolved to include leisurely vacations, not just escapades or escapes.

Pop Culture

Numerous films feature 'getaway' as a central theme, often revolving around adventures or escapes, such as 'The Great Escape' or 'Getaway Driver'.
In music, many songs celebrate the theme of getaways, emphasizing the joy and freedom of travel.
Television shows often use 'getaway' episodes to show characters seeking adventure away from their usual lives.

Travel and Tourism

Getaways are often marketed by travel agencies as short trips that offer a quick break from daily routines.
Popular getaway spots often include beach resorts, national parks, and city escapes depending on the season.
Wellness retreats are also considered getaways, allowing individuals to recharge through relaxation and self-care.

Psychology

Research shows that taking regular getaways can significantly reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
Traveling can lead to increased creativity and happiness due to changing environments and experiences.
The anticipation of a getaway can boost happiness even before the trip begins, illustrating the positive effects of planning and excitement.

History

The concept of a 'getaway' has historical roots in the idea of retreats, where leaders would escape to relax and strategize during times of stress.
Royalty in various cultures often had their own 'getaway' spots for leisure and respite from court life.
During the Industrial Revolution, the rise of the middle class saw the popularization of weekend getaways as people sought to escape urban life.

Translations

Translations of the word "getaway" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fuga

🇮🇳 भागने की जगह

🇩🇪 Flucht

🇮🇩 pelarian

🇺🇦 втеча

🇵🇱 ucieczka

🇯🇵 逃走 (tōsō)

🇫🇷 évasion

🇪🇸 escape

🇹🇷 kaçış

🇰🇷 도주 (doju)

🇸🇦 هروب

🇨🇿 útěk

🇸🇰 únik

🇨🇳 逃离 (táolí)

🇸🇮 pobeg

🇮🇸 flótti

🇰🇿 қашу

🇬🇪 გაქცევა

🇦🇿 qaçış

🇲🇽 escape