Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rapid escape, especially after committing a crime: A "getaway" is the act of fleeing quickly from a scene, particularly to avoid capture by authorities.
   • The quality of rapid acceleration in a vehicle: "Getaway" can also refer to a vehicle's ability to accelerate quickly, which is useful for a fast escape.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The bank robbers made a swift getaway in a stolen car.
  • This sports car has excellent getaway, perfect for evading pursuit.
  • Their plan failed when their getaway was blocked by police.

Advanced Usage

• "To make a getaway": This is the standard phrase for describing the act of escaping.
  • The thieves made a clean getaway before the alarm was raised.
• "Getaway car/vehicle": A vehicle used specifically for escaping after a crime.
  • The police found the abandoned getaway car a mile from the bank.

Variants and Related Words

• Getaway driver (n): The driver of a vehicle used in a criminal escape.
  • The getaway driver was waiting with the engine running.
• Getaway (as an adjective in compounds): Used to describe things related to a quick escape or a brief vacation.
  • They planned a weekend getaway to the mountains. (Note: This is a related compound word where "getaway" modifies a noun, indicating a short trip.)

Synonyms

• Escape: The act of breaking free from confinement or control.
• Flight: The act of fleeing or running away.
• Breakout: A forcible escape, especially from prison.

Related Phrases

• "On the lam": (Idiomatic) Fleeing from the law, hiding from authorities.
  • After the robbery, the suspects were on the lam for weeks.
• "To take it on the lam": (Idiomatic) To flee or escape.
  • He had to take it on the lam after his cover was blown.

Notes on Meaning

The primary meaning of "getaway" is a rapid escape, often with a connotation of illegality. The secondary meaning relating to a vehicle's acceleration is less common but derives from the quality needed for a successful escape. The use in "weekend getaway" is a metaphorical extension, implying a quick escape from daily routine.

Noun

1. a rapid escape (as by criminals)
   • the thieves made a clean getaway
   • after the expose he had to take it on the lam
2. the attribute of being capable of rapid acceleration
   • his car has a lot of pickup