escaping
UK: ɪˈskeɪpɪŋ | US: ɪˈskeɪpɪŋ
v. (present participle of "escape") meaning 1: breaking free from confinement or control
v. meaning 2: avoiding a threatening or unwanted situation
v. meaning 3: leaking or spreading unintentionally (e.g., gas, sound)
The root "escap" derives from Old North French "escaper" (modern French "échapper"), meaning "to flee or break free," which itself originates from Vulgar Latin "*excappare" (literally "to leave one's cape behind"). This vivid metaphor reflects shedding a garment to evade capture. The suffix "-ing" marks the present participle form in English, indicating ongoing action. The word's evolution retains its core idea of liberation from restraint.
The prisoner was caught while escaping through the tunnel.
She dreams of escaping her monotonous routine.
The gas was escaping from a small crack in the pipe.
Birds are skilled at escaping predators by flying away.
He kept escaping the topic during the conversation.