Spanish Conversation · Level 22
90 words
Spanish word
escapar
Pronunciation
IPA/eskaˈpaɾ/
Meaning
- verbescape
Example
El prisionero escapó anoche.
The prisoner escaped last night.
More examples
Para olvidar el estrés, muchos intentan escapar de la realidad con viajes cortos.
To forget stress, many try to escape from reality with short trips.
Core concept
A short or tactical break from confinement or control.
Common phrases
escapar de la realidad
escape from reality
escapar por la ventana
escape through the window
Similar words
huir: Flees to a safer place to avoid danger or pursuit.
fugarse: Breaks out of confinement or custody in a locked or guarded place.
escabullirse: Slips away quietly from a place without attracting attention.
zafarse: Wriggles or forces free from someone's grasp or a physical restraint.
Definition in Spanish
Librarse de una obligación, control o situación molesta mediante huida o maniobra.
Word origin
Derived from Old French eschaper and ultimately from Vulgar Latin *excappare (ex 'out of' + cappa 'cloak'), originally describing slipping out of a cloak and so describing getting away.
Usage tips
- Compared with huir or fugarse, escapar commonly suggests a brief or tactical getaway rather than a prolonged flight.