escape

n.

1. The act of escaping

   flight, getaway, retreat, disappearance, evasion, avoidance, leave, departure, withdrawal, hegira, elopement, desertion, abdication, decampment, liberation, deliverance, rescue, freedom, release, extrication, breakout, jailbreak, break*, French leave*, close call*, close shave*, slip*, AWOL*. *

   Antonyms imprisonment*, retention*, capture. *

2. Place of escape

   exit, outlet, way out, loophole, overflow, outflow, leakage, leak, fire escape, waste pipe, sewer, hatch, porthole, alleyway, floodgate, exhaust, draft, escape valve, vent.

3. Mental release

   distraction, diversion, escapism; see avoidance, entertainment 1, oblivion 1.

escape

v.

escape implies a getting out of, a keeping away from, or simply a remaining unaffected by an impending or present danger, evil, confinement, etc. to escape death, criticism, etc.; to avoid is to make a conscious effort to keep clear of something undesirable or harmful to avoid crowds during a flu epidemic; to evade is to escape or avoid by artifice, cunning, adroitness, etc. to evade pursuit, one's duty, etc.; to elude is to escape the grasp of someone or something by artful or slippery dodges or because of a baffling quality the criminal eluded the police, the meaning eluded him