Hideaway Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hideaway

[ˈhaɪdəˌweɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

secret place

A hideaway is a secret place where someone can go to be alone or escape from others. It is often a secluded or private location, where one can relax and unwind in peace.

Synonyms

refuge, retreat, sanctuary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hideaway	This word is usually used for a small, comfortable place where someone goes to relax and escape from their daily life. It's often a secret spot or a cozy corner. I discovered a little hideaway in the mountains where I can unwind. Her hideaway is a tiny cabin by the lake.
retreat	Associated with a place where people go to rest, meditate, and refresh their mind and body. It can be used for both short-term stays and longer periods of relaxation. I'm going on a weekend retreat to a wellness spa. The artists gathered at a retreat to focus on their work.
sanctuary	Often used to describe a holy or sacred place, but it can also mean a safe place where someone finds peace and comfort. It’s sometimes used in a figurative sense to denote a peaceful and protected space. The church offered sanctuary to those in need. Her garden is her sanctuary in the busy city.
refuge	This term is often used to describe a place where people seek safety and protection, often from danger or distress. It can be either a temporary or permanent place of safety. The refugees found refuge in a neighboring country. During the storm, the animals sought refuge in the cave.

Examples of usage

I built a small hideaway in the woods where I can read and enjoy nature.
She discovered a hidden hideaway by the lake, perfect for picnics and quiet reflection.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

holiday accommodation

A hideaway can also refer to a holiday accommodation that is secluded and private, providing a peaceful and relaxing environment for vacationers.

Synonyms

cabin, lodge, retreat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hideaway	A hideaway is typically a secret or secluded place. It is often used when referring to a spot where one can escape from the world and enjoy some privacy or relaxation. After a stressful week, she loved escaping to her hideaway in the mountains
retreat	A retreat is a quiet and secluded place where individuals or groups go for rest, relaxation, meditation, or to focus on activities. It often implies a break from everyday life to recharge. She organized a weekend retreat in the countryside to disconnect from work and reconnect with nature
cabin	A cabin is generally a small, simple house made of wood, often situated in the woods or mountains. It is associated with rustic living and outdoor activities. They spent their summers in a cabin by the lake, where they could fish and hike
lodge	A lodge is a place that provides accommodation and sometimes food for travelers or vacationers. It is often used in the context of hunting, skiing, or other outdoor activities. After a long day of skiing, the family relaxed in the cozy lodge with a roaring fireplace

Examples of usage

We booked a cozy hideaway in the mountains for our anniversary getaway.
The beach hideaway offered stunning ocean views and tranquility.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

In children's stories, hideaways are common settings where characters go to think or plan adventures.
Classics like 'The Secret Garden' feature hideaways as magical places that transform the characters' lives.
Many stories emphasize the idea that hideaways are not just physical locations but also represent safety and peace.

Psychology

Psychologists believe having a personal hideaway can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
Creating a physical space just for you can lead to greater feelings of control and comfort in everyday life.
Studies suggest that spending time in quiet, secluded places can boost creativity and reflection.

Culture

Many cultures have traditional hideaways, such as tea houses in Japan or secluded cabins in Scandinavian folklore.
Hideaways in popular media, like TV shows and films, often symbolize peace, adventure, or a journey of self-discovery.
Modern-day hideaways can include tiny homes or sky lounges; they reflect a growing desire for simplicity and mindfulness.

Travel

Travelers often seek unique hideaways like treehouses or secluded islands for a break from routine.
Eco-resorts increasingly feature hideaway lodges in nature to offer an immersive and restorative experience with the natural world.
Social media has popularized the idea of hideaways, with influencers sharing their trips to hidden gems around the globe.

Origin of 'hideaway'

Main points about word origin

The word 'hideaway' comes from the combination of 'hide', which means to put something where it can't be seen, and 'away', suggesting distance.
First used in the late 19th century, the term evokes imagery of secret rooms and tucked-away retreats.
It is often associated with places of comfort or solitude, where one can escape the hustle of everyday life.

The word 'hideaway' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'hide' (to put or keep out of sight) with 'away' (at a distance from a particular place or person). The concept of having a secret or secluded place has been valued throughout history, providing a sense of privacy and escape from the outside world.

See also: hidden, hideous, hideout, hiding.