getaway
noun
Getaway — the rapid, often planned escape following a crime
Definition
A rapid escape (as by criminals); "the thieves made a clean getaway"; "after the expose he had to take it on the lam"
In depth
A getaway is a rapid escape, especially one made by criminals immediately following the commission of a crime, the word evoking speed, planning, and often a waiting vehicle. Beyond its criminal connotation, the word has extended into everyday vocabulary describing a brief, relaxing trip away from ordinary life, a far gentler kind of escape.
Origin
The word is a transparent English compound, joining 'get' with 'away,' both ancient and thoroughly assimilated terms. Its extension into recreational vocabulary, the weekend getaway, reflects how readily the language adapts urgent, dramatic vocabulary to describe far gentler, voluntary departures from ordinary routine.
Usage examples
"The thieves made a clean getaway, vanishing into traffic before alarms had even finished sounding."
"After the scandal broke, he made his getaway to a remote cabin where no reporter would think to look."
"They had been planning the weekend getaway for months, eager for any excuse to leave the city behind."
How to use it
Getaway carries two distinct registers, the dramatic criminal escape and the relaxed, recreational trip, and writers should ensure context makes clear which sense is intended, since the word's tone shifts dramatically between the two uses.
Related concepts
Looking for a word but don't know its name?
Try the Word Finder →