Word
fleeing
Phoneticsflee·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɫiɪŋ/
UK/flˈiːɪŋ/
Definitions
01escaping danger
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. running away quickly from a place or situation because you are afraid.
v. running away from a place or situation of perceived danger, typically with great haste. Often used in the context of refugees or those escaping conflict.
“Thousands of people were fleeing the city as the storm approached.”
“Civilians were fleeing the war zone in desperate search of safety, carrying only what they could fit into small bags.”
Pitfall
They were fleeing from the country.
They were fleeing the country.
While 'fleeing from' is possible for a specific point of origin, 'flee' is usually transitive when describing the place you are leaving behind.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02the act of escape
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal · Literary
n. the act of running away from something.
n. the action of escaping or running away from a threat or pursuit.
“Their sudden fleeing in the middle of the night surprised everyone.”
“The rapid fleeing of capital from the country led to a sudden and severe economic crisis.”
Real-World Examples
“Polish and German media reported that the suspect had evaded arrest in Poland in 2024, fleeing back to Ukraine.” “Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East absorb international attention, and Europe's burning issue is how to stop so many Afghans fleeing towards their shores.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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