flee
UK: fliː | US: fliː
vi. to run away quickly from danger or a threat
vt. to escape from a place or situation
The word "flee" traces back to Old English flēon, meaning "to run away or escape." It shares roots with other Germanic languages, such as Old High German fliohan and Old Norse flýja. Unlike many modern English words, "flee" has retained its compact, monosyllabic form without clear prefix/root/suffix divisions. Its meaning has remained remarkably consistent over centuries, always tied to the concept of rapid escape.
The villagers had to flee when the volcano erupted.
He tried to flee the scene of the accident.
Animals often flee at the first sign of danger.
Refugees flee war-torn countries in search of safety.
The thief fled before the police arrived.