flee

verb

1. (intransitive)To run away; to escape.

   “The prisoner tried to flee, but was caught by the guards.”

   “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bolde as a lyon.”

   “As they turned into Hertford Street they startled a robin from the poet's head on a barren fountain, and he fled away with a cameo note.”

   “When, however, the plant spirits were not strong enough in themselves, then the family called in the Medicine Man. He appeared, a "monster of so frightful mien", with noise making apparatus which produced such a terrifying din that even the hardiest demon was likely to flee.”

   “Huntingdon's ferocity makes the reaction of staff all the more brave. To move towards danger when others are fleeing is the definition of bravery in my book. To place yourself in danger to protect others.”

2. (transitive)To escape from.

   “Many people fled the country as war loomed.”

   “Thousands of people moved northward trying to flee the drought.”

   “The Government, having lit the fuse, is not going to be allowed to flee the explosion.”

3. (intransitive)To disappear quickly; to vanish; to fleet.

   “Ethereal products flee once freely exposed to air.”