# fled

/ˈfɫɛd/ (US) · /flˈɛd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fled
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

ran away from a place or a dangerous situation very quickly. It is the past tense of 'flee'.

For teachers: the past tense and past participle of 'flee', meaning to run away from a place or situation of perceived danger. Often implies a sudden or hurried departure.

## Examples

- The suspect fled the scene before the police arrived.
- Thousands of people fled across the border to escape the rising floodwaters and find safety in the neighboring country.
- As the financial scandal broke, several high-ranking executives fled the country, leaving the remaining board members to face the legal consequences alone.

## Pitfalls

- Not "they fleed the building" but "they fled the building" — The verb 'flee' is irregular; the past tense is 'fled', not 'fleed'.

## Usage notes

- The verb can be used transitively (fled the city) or intransitively (fled from the fire).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.