Definition

Describing someone or something that has gotten away from a place where they were held or confined, like a prison.

Example

The escaped prisoner was found hiding in the woods.

Conversation

Did you hear about the escaped criminal in our neighborhood?

Yeah, it's all over the news!

I hope they catch him soon; it makes me feel uneasy.

Same here, I think I'll stay indoors for a while.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To have gotten away from a place or situation where one was confined or in danger.

Example

The prisoner escaped from the jail last night.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the cat that escaped from the shelter?

Yeah, I saw that on social media!

It's so surprising how quickly it escaped without anyone noticing.

Root Explanation

Escaped is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of) and "cappere" (meaning to seize or take). The word describes the act of getting away or breaking free from a situation or confinement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'getting out of' ('ex-') something that was 'held' ('cappere') — that's why escaped means to break free.

Visually Confused Words