escape etymology

Etymology and Meaning of Escape

Origin:

  • Old French escaper (12th century)
  • Late Latin excappare (4th century AD)

Meaning:

Escape generally means to get away from a place, situation, or danger. It can also refer to the act of avoiding something, such as responsibility or punishment.

Components of the Word:

  • Ex-: Latin prefix meaning "out of" or "beyond"
  • Capto: Latin verb meaning "to seize" or "to hold"

Formation:

The word excappare was formed by combining the prefix ex- with the verb capto. This combination originally meant "to get out of a grip" or "to escape capture."

Semantic Development:

Over time, the meaning of excappare broadened to encompass a wider range of escape scenarios. By the 12th century, the Old French escaper was being used more generally to refer to getting away from any type of constraint or danger.

Modern Usage:

Today, the word "escape" is used in a variety of contexts, including:

  • Physical escape (e.g., escaping from prison)
  • Mental escape (e.g., escaping into a book or movie)
  • Emotional escape (e.g., escaping from stress or anxiety)

Related Terms:

  • Evasion: Intentional avoidance or elusion of something
  • Flight: Act of running away from danger or pursuit
  • Refuge: Safe place of retreat or protection

escape relate terms

  • cape

    Etymology The word cape originates from the Middle English cappe which itself is de

  • escapable

    Etymology and Meaning of Escapable The word escapable comes from the Latin word excapp

  • escape

    Etymology and Meaning of Escape Origin Old French escaper 12th century Late Latin ex

  • elude

    Etymology Late Latin eludere escape from avoid evade Latin ludi play Meaning

  • fugitive

    Etymology From Middle English fugityf fugitive runaway from Latin fugitivus fugiti

  • loophole

    Etymology and Meaning The word loophole comes from the Middle English word loupehole

  • abscond

    Etymology The word abscond comes from the Latin word abscondere which means to hid

  • miss

    Etymological Origin The word miss has its roots in two languages Middle English mi

  • defy

    Etymology The word defy originates from the Old French word desfier meaning to chal

  • runaway

    Etymology Late Middle English as a noun from run v away adv The verb sense