Definition of Flee
Quick Meaning of Flee
to run away quickly because you are afraid or in danger; to escape urgently
Detailed Definition of Flee
to run away from danger or a threatening situation in panic or haste
How to Pronounce Flee
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: The 'ee' sounds like in 'see' or 'tree'. Rhymes with 'free', 'key'.
Watch out: Some learners confuse with 'flea'. Flee has long ee sound.
Origin and Etymology of Flee
Old English flēon; Germanic root, related to German fliehen
How to Use Flee in a Sentence
Each example shows “flee” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Refugees fled the country.”
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“When the alarm sounded, everyone fled the building.”
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“The suspect fled the crime scene.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Flee
Common Synonyms for Flee
Smart Synonyms for Flee — When to Use Each
- escape
- when getting free from confinement
- run away
- informal contexts; more colloquial
Antonyms of Flee
Common Collocations with Flee
These phrases pair with “flee” in everyday English:
- flee the country
- flee danger
- flee persecution
Common Mistakes When Using Flee
Even fluent speakers slip up with “flee”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: They fleed the country.
- ✓ Correct: They fled the country.
- Why: Irregular verb: past is 'fled', not 'fleed'
- ✗ Wrong: He fled away from danger.
- ✓ Correct: He fled from danger.
- Why: 'Away' is redundant with 'fled'
Words Confused With Flee
- Flee vs Escape: Escape = get free; flee = run away in urgent panic
Other Forms of Flee
- Verb: flee
Frequently Asked Questions About Flee
What is the meaning of "Flee"?
to run away quickly because you are afraid or in danger; to escape urgently
How do you pronounce "Flee"?
The IPA is /fliː/. The 'ee' sounds like in 'see' or 'tree'. Rhymes with 'free', 'key'.
What part of speech is "Flee"?
"Flee" is a verb at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Flee"?
Common synonyms include escape, run away, bolt.
How do you use "Flee" in a sentence?
For example: "Refugees fled the country."