Definition

Noun: A secret place where someone goes to avoid being found or captured, typically used by people trying to avoid the law or other authorities.

Usage

A "hideout" is a location kept secret for safety or concealment. It is most commonly associated with criminals, fugitives, or outlaws, but can also be used by anyone needing a private refuge. - The police discovered the gang's hideout in an abandoned warehouse. - The children built a small hideout in the woods to use as their secret clubhouse.

Advanced Usage

• "to have/use (a place) as a hideout": To employ a specific location for concealment.
  • The rebels used the mountain caves as a hideout.
• "to be in/at one's hideout": To be physically present in the secret location.
  • The detective tracked the suspect to his hideout.

Variants and Related Words

• Hide (verb): To put or keep out of sight.
  • He tried to hide the evidence.
• Hiding place (noun): A more general term for any location where someone or something is concealed.
  • She found a good hiding place for the spare key.

Synonyms

• Lair: A secret or private place, often with connotations of a wild animal's den or a villain's base.
• Refuge: A place providing shelter or protection from danger.
• Sanctuary: A place of refuge or safety.
• Safe house: A secure location, often used by spies or witnesses.

Related Phrases

• "To go into hiding": To conceal oneself, often in a hideout.
  • After the threat, the witness had to go into hiding.
• "A bolt-hole": A place where a person can escape and hide (chiefly British English).
  • The cabin served as his peaceful bolt-hole from the city.

Noun

1. a hiding place; usually a remote place used by outlaws