Lam: meaning, definitions and examples
🏃♂️
lam
[ læm ]
slang term
To 'lam' means to run away or flee, especially from the law or consequences of one's actions. It often implies a hasty or urgent escape, typically due to wrongdoing or legal issues. The term is commonly used in informal contexts, particularly in certain English-speaking regions. In some cases, it can also mean to avoid someone or something intentionally.
Synonyms
escape, evade, flee, run away.
Examples of usage
- After the bank heist, the criminals decided to lam before the cops arrived.
- He lamed it out of town as soon as he saw the police car.
- The suspect has been on the lam since the incident.
informal term
In some usages, 'lam' may refer to a sustained period of being on the run or evading capture. It can denote a state of life where one is attempting to avoid detection or confrontation with authorities. This informal noun usage reflects the lifestyle or situation of someone constantly escaping.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He lived a life on the lam for months.
- She told stories of her time on the lam in different cities.
- The movie depicts the struggles of a man living life on the lam.
Translations
Translations of the word "lam" in other languages:
🇵🇹 corda
- cordão
- fita
🇮🇳 रस्सी
- चमक
- धागा
🇩🇪 Schnur
- Band
- Kordel
🇮🇩 tali
- benang
- tali pengikat
🇺🇦 мотузка
- стрічка
- шнур
🇵🇱 sznur
- wstążka
- linka
🇯🇵 ひも
- ストリング
- ロープ
🇫🇷 corde
- ruban
- fil
🇪🇸 cuerda
- listón
- hilo
🇹🇷 ip
- şerit
- kordon
🇰🇷 끈
- 밴드
- 실
🇸🇦 حبل
- شريط
- خيط
🇨🇿 provaz
- stužka
- nit
🇸🇰 pás
- šnúra
- niť
🇨🇳 绳子
- 带子
- 线
🇸🇮 vrv
- trak
- nit
🇮🇸 snúra
- bönd
- þráð
🇰🇿 арқан
- жіп
- сым
🇬🇪 ხაზი
- ტარი
- თოკი
🇦🇿 ip
- lent
- kord
🇲🇽 cuerda
- listón
- hilo
Etymology
The term 'lam' in the context of fleeing or escaping likely originated in the United States in the early 20th century, with roots in slang that evolved within criminal circles. It is possibly derived from the Scottish word 'lame,' meaning to run or escape, though its exact etymology is unclear. 'Lam' has been used in various forms of literature and culture to describe the act of running away, particularly in crime-related narratives. Over the years, it has been popularized in movies, songs, and other media, often associated with characters who are on the run from the law. The word has retained its informal, often colloquial character in contemporary usage.