escape
escape — 動詞
1. to break free from confinement, whether a jail, cage, locked room, or any locati
逃脫
從監禁或囚禁中脫身
to break free from confinement, whether a jail, cage, locked room, or any location where someone or something has kept you trapped.
João escaped from the prison by digging a tunnel under the wall.
João 挖了一條地道穿過牆底，成功逃出監獄。
escape + from + [place of confinement]
The bird escaped its cage when Sofie left the door open.
Sofie 忘了關門，那隻鳥就飛出鳥籠逃走了。
escape + noun phrase (direct object — cage/prison)
Hamza and his brother escaped from the soldiers who had taken them.
Hamza 和弟弟從抓走他們的士兵手中逃脫。
A small dog escaped from the garden and ran into the street.
一隻小狗從花園裡跑出來，衝到了街上。
The prisoners tried to escape at night while the guards were asleep.
這些囚犯趁守衛睡覺時試圖越獄。
- be captured
the opposite outcome — being caught after trying to escape
- be trapped
the state of being unable to leave
文法句型
escape + from + [place/person]
escape + noun phrase (cage/prison/captor)
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'from' when specifying the place of confinement. In news reports about prisoners or animals, this is the most common sense.
常見錯誤
2. to leave behind a setting, routine, or relationship that makes you feel trapped
逃離
擺脫令人不快的環境或人
to leave behind a setting, routine, or relationship that makes you feel trapped or unhappy, sometimes just briefly.
Ritu escaped the noise of the city by taking walks in the forest.
Ritu 到森林裡散步，藉此逃離城市的噪音。
escape + [unwanted situation] + by + gerund
The children escaped their strict aunt for a few hours of playtime.
孩子們暫時逃離嚴格的姑姑，玩了幾個小時。
Gabriel wanted to escape the pressure of his job for a while.
Gabriel 想要暫時逃開工作壓力。
Mizuki often escapes her daily worries by reading novels late at night.
Mizuki 常常深夜看小說，藉此逃離日常的煩惱。
- get away from
more informal, common in everyday speech
- leave behind
suggests you deliberately stop being part of something
- be stuck with
informal, the feeling of being unable to leave
- face
to deal with something instead of avoiding it
文法句型
escape + from + [situation/person/place]
escape + noun phrase (noise/pressure/routine)
用法筆記
Often takes an object that is a situation or environment rather than a physical location. Common in expressions about taking a break from routine or responsibilities.
常見錯誤
3. to manage not to be affected or harmed by something unpleasant or dangerous, suc
避開
避免遭遇壞事或危險
to manage not to be affected or harmed by something unpleasant or dangerous, such as injury, punishment, or criticism.
Lakan escaped serious injury when the tree fell beside his car.
那棵樹倒在 Lakan 的車旁，他因此逃過一劫，沒有受重傷。
escape + [harm/danger] — narrowly avoid something bad
The driver escaped a fine because the police did not see him.
那名司機因為警察沒有看到他，所以逃過了罰款。
Ayana escaped punishment by explaining what had really happened.
Ayana 解釋了事情真相，因此避開了處罰。
The cat narrowly escaped being hit by a speeding bicycle.
那隻貓差一點就被疾駛的腳踏車撞到。
文法句型
escape + noun phrase (injury/fine/punishment/death)
escape + being + past participle
用法筆記
The object is always something negative — injury, punishment, criticism, death, or a similar harm. Often used with 'narrowly' to emphasise that the danger came very close.
常見錯誤
4. to avoid being seen, heard, or remembered by someone; to go without being notice
躲過
不被注意到或被發現
to avoid being seen, heard, or remembered by someone; to go without being noticed or understood.
The small mistake escaped the teacher's attention during the exam.
那個小錯誤在考試中沒有被老師注意到。
escape + [person's] + attention/notice
João tried to escape his mother's notice by slipping out the back door.
João 試圖從後門溜出去，躲過媽媽的注意。
The meaning of the poem escaped Marco completely on the first reading.
Marco 第一次讀這首詩時，完全看不懂它的意思。
A key detail escaped the detective during the initial investigation.
一個關鍵細節在初步調查中逃過了偵探的眼睛。
文法句型
escape + [person's] + attention/notice/memory
escape + [person] (meaning not be seen or understood)
用法筆記
The subject is often not a person — it can be a detail, fact, mistake, sound, or name. The person who fails to notice or remember is the object. This sense does not use 'from'.
常見錯誤
5. to hit a computer key, usually marked 'Esc', which takes you back to an earlier
按Esc鍵
按下鍵盤退出鍵以離開畫面
to hit a computer key, usually marked 'Esc', which takes you back to an earlier screen, shuts a pop-up box, or halts an activity.
When the game froze, Élise pressed Escape to go back to the main menu.
遊戲當機時，Élise 按下 Escape 鍵返回主選單。
press Escape to return / exit
You can escape the full-screen mode by tapping the Esc key twice.
按兩下 Esc 鍵就可以退出全螢幕模式。
Brandon hit the Escape button quickly to dismiss the pop-up window.
Brandon 快速按下 Escape 鍵，關掉了彈出視窗。
The student pressed the Esc key twice to close the error message.
那名學生按了兩次 Esc 鍵，關掉了錯誤訊息。
文法句型
press Escape / press Esc
escape + to + [screen/view]
用法筆記
Only used in computing contexts. The key is commonly referred to as 'Escape' or 'Esc' in instructions and on keyboards.
6. in computer programming, to place a special symbol before a character so that th
轉義
在程式碼中用符號改變字元原意
in computer programming, to place a special symbol before a character so that the computer treats it as plain text rather than as a command or special instruction.
Esme used a backslash to escape the quotation mark inside the text string.
Esme 用反斜線跳脫了文字字串中的引號。
escape + [character] with [symbol]
You must escape special characters like dollar signs in shell commands.
在 shell 指令中，你必須跳脫錢號這類特殊字元。
The programmer forgot to escape the backslash in the file path code.
那位程式設計師忘記跳脫檔案路徑中的反斜線。
In Python, you escape a newline character by writing a backslash before the letter n.
在 Python 裡，你可以在字母 n 前面加上反斜線來跳脫換行字元。
文法句型
escape + [character/symbol] + with/in + [symbol]
用法筆記
Only relevant in programming and markup languages. The backslash (\) is the most common escape symbol in many languages, though some use other characters.
7. to come out of a pipe, container, or enclosed space through a crack, hole, or we
洩漏
氣體或液體從容器中漏出
to come out of a pipe, container, or enclosed space through a crack, hole, or weak point
Gas escaped from the cracked pipe in the kitchen, so Mert opened all the windows.
廚房的裂管有瓦斯洩漏出來，Mert 於是打開了所有窗戶。
escape + from + container (intransitive)
Smoke was slowly escaping through a small hole near the fireplace.
煙霧正從壁爐旁的一個小洞慢慢洩漏出來。
Air escaped from the bicycle tyre after Takeshi hit a sharp stone on the road.
Takeshi 在路上撞到一塊尖石後，腳踏車輪胎的氣就洩漏出來了。
When Élise opened the old bottle, a faint hiss meant the gas had escaped.
Élise 打開舊瓶子時，一聲微弱的嘶響表示氣體已經洩漏了。
文法句型
escape + from/through/into + container or opening
用法筆記
Subject is typically a gas, liquid, or smell moving through a small opening. Commonly used with the prepositions from, through, or into.
常見錯誤
8. If a sound, word, or breath escapes you, it leaves your mouth even though you di
脫口而出
話語或聲音不由自主地說出
If a sound, word, or breath escapes you, it leaves your mouth even though you did not mean to make or say it.
A tired sigh escaped Eleni's lips as she finally sat down after hours of work.
一聲疲憊的嘆息從 Eleni 的唇間脫口而出，她終於在數小時工作後坐了下來。
escape + person's lips (sound as grammatical subject)
A quiet laugh escaped Jude before he could stop himself during the meeting.
Jude 在會議中來不及忍住，一聲輕笑便脫口而出。
When the doctor touched his injured arm, a groan escaped Ryan's father.
醫生碰到他父親受傷的手臂時，Ryan 的父親不禁呻吟了一聲。
A curse word escaped Christopher's mouth, and he was ashamed immediately.
一句髒話從 Christopher 口中脫口而出，他立刻感到羞愧。
Hoa stayed completely still, but a gasp escaped her when the spider moved.
Hoa 完全靜止不動，但蜘蛛移動時她還是不由得倒抽一口氣。
文法句型
escape + person/lips/mouth (sound or word as subject)
用法筆記
In this sense, the grammatical subject is the sound, word, or breath that comes out — not the person who produces it. (A sigh escaped her, not She escaped a sigh.)
常見錯誤
escape — 名詞
1. the act or process of getting free from a place where you are trapped, or from a
脫逃；逃脫
逃離受困地點或危險處境
the act or process of getting free from a place where you are trapped, or from a dangerous or unpleasant situation
After three months, the prisoner made a daring escape by climbing over the wall at midnight.
三個月後，那名囚犯在午夜攀爬圍牆，進行了一次大膽的脫逃。
collocation: make an escape
Defne had a narrow escape when a tree branch crashed onto the pavement right behind her.
Defne 差點被倒下的大樹枝砸到，經歷了一次驚險的逃脫。
collocation: narrow escape
A tunnel escape from the camp required months of work with simple tools.
用簡單工具挖地道逃出營地，需要花上好幾個月的時間。
The family's lucky escape from the burning house was shown on the evening news.
那家人幸運地從著火的房子裡逃出來，上了晚間新聞。
Putri's escape from the kidnappers involved hiding inside a delivery truck for hours.
Putri 躲在一輛貨運卡車裡好幾個小時，才成功從綁匪手中逃脫。
- capture
the opposite outcome — being caught after trying to escape
- confinement
the state of being kept in a limited space
文法句型
escape from + place/situation
make + an escape
常見錯誤
2. a situation in which gas, liquid, or steam accidentally flows out of a pipe or c
洩漏
液體或氣體的意外外洩
a situation in which gas, liquid, or steam accidentally flows out of a pipe or container through a crack or hole
A gas escape from the old pipe forced the entire street to be evacuated at dawn.
舊管線的瓦斯洩漏迫使整條街在黎明時緊急疏散。
escape of + gas
The plumber discovered a small escape of water behind the kitchen wall on Friday.
水電工在週五發現廚房牆壁後面有輕微的漏水。
escape of + liquid
Constanza reported a chemical escape from the factory to the local fire department.
Constanza 通報當地消防局，工廠發生了化學物質洩漏。
An escape of steam from the broken valve made a loud hissing noise in the boiler room.
鍋爐房的破損閥門噴出蒸氣，發出很大的嘶嘶聲。
- containment
the successful prevention of a substance from escaping
文法句型
escape of + gas/liquid/steam
用法筆記
This sense is most often used for the accidental release of gas, steam, or liquid from pipes, tanks, or industrial equipment.
3. an enjoyable activity, form of entertainment, or short break that helps you stop
喘息；解脫
藉娛樂暫時忘卻煩惱
an enjoyable activity, form of entertainment, or short break that helps you stop thinking about your everyday worries or problems
For Defne, reading a good novel is the perfect escape from a stressful week at work.
對 Defne 來說，讀一本好小說就是從壓力重重的工作中解脫出來。
escape from + everyday problems
Video games offer an escape for many teenagers who want to relax after a long school day.
電玩遊戲讓許多青少年在漫長的課業之後有放鬆喘息的機會。
Gardening became Christopher's favourite escape after he retired from his office job.
園藝成了 Christopher 退休後最喜歡的喘息方式。
The cinema is a cheap escape from the boredom and repetition of daily routines.
電影院是逃離無聊日常的廉價喘息管道。
Some people turn to television as an escape from difficult real-life situations.
有些人把看電視當作從現實困境中短暫抽離的解脫。
- distraction
broader; does not necessarily imply enjoyment or relief
- diversion
emphasises turning attention away from something temporarily
- getaway
implies a short break from routine, often involving travel
- engagement
being fully involved in or focused on a situation
文法句型
an escape from + everyday life/stress/problems
用法筆記
Used only as a singular countable noun: 'an escape' or 'the escape'. Often followed by 'from' to indicate what is being temporarily left behind.
4. a short holiday or trip to a quiet, relaxing place that feels completely differe
度假；出遊
讓人放鬆的短期旅行
a short holiday or trip to a quiet, relaxing place that feels completely different from your everyday surroundings
The cottage in the mountains was their favourite weekend escape from the noisy city.
山上的小屋是他們最喜歡的週末度假地點，可以遠離城市的喧囂。
adjective + escape
Maeve booked a beach escape for the whole family during the summer school break.
Maeve 在暑假為全家人預訂了一趟海灘度假行程。
noun modifier + escape
The Quan family bought a small island escape where they go every winter to relax completely.
Quan 一家買了一座小島當作度假地點，每年冬天都會去那裡徹底放鬆。
For Asher, a camping escape in the forest is more refreshing than any luxury hotel.
對 Asher 來說，在森林裡露營出遊比任何豪華飯店都更能讓人充電。
文法句型
adjective + escape
a + noun + escape
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3: sense 3 is any enjoyable activity that takes your mind off things; sense 4 specifically involves travelling somewhere different.
5. a keyboard button, usually labelled 'Esc', that lets you close a menu, cancel a
Esc鍵
鍵盤上可退出畫面的按鍵
a keyboard button, usually labelled 'Esc', that lets you close a menu, cancel a command, or return to the screen you were on before
Press escape on your keyboard to close the pop-up window without confirming anything.
按鍵盤上的跳出鍵，即可在不確認的情況下關閉彈出視窗。
press + escape
Sora hit the escape key but the frozen program still would not respond at all.
Sora 按了跳出鍵，但當機的程式完全沒有反應。
hit + the escape key
If the game freezes, hold down the escape key for a few seconds to exit.
如果遊戲卡住了，按住跳出鍵幾秒鐘就可以退出。
The instructions say to use the escape button to leave the installation screen safely.
說明書上說要使用 Esc 鍵來安全離開安裝畫面。
- Esc
the abbreviated label on the key itself; used in written instructions
- enter key
confirms the current action, the opposite of escape which cancels it
文法句型
press + escape
hit + the escape key
用法筆記
Often referred to simply as 'escape' or 'the escape key'. Used without an article when talking about the key as a command ('press escape').
常見錯誤
6. a door, window, passage, or set of stairs that people can use to get out of a bu
逃生口
逃出建築物或危險地區的通道
a door, window, passage, or set of stairs that people can use to get out of a building or dangerous area
The hotel had a metal fire escape attached to the outside wall on every floor.
那家飯店每層樓的外牆上都裝有金屬逃生梯。
fire escape
Reema studied the escape routes on the map as soon as she entered the new office.
Reema 一走進新辦公室，就仔細看了逃生路線圖。
Every classroom must clearly mark its escape route for regular fire drills.
每間教室都必須清楚標示逃生路線，以備定期消防演習。
The old warehouse had only one escape, which made it dangerous for the workers.
那間老倉庫只有一個逃生出口，對工人來說非常危險。
- exit
general term for any way out; does not imply urgency or danger
- way out
informal phrase for any route that leads outside
- emergency exit
specifically designed for use in dangerous situations
- dead end
a passage with no way out
文法句型
fire + escape
escape + route/passage/exit
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 is the action of escaping; sense 6 is the physical route or structure used to escape.
escape — 形容詞
1. designed to help people get out of a dangerous building, vehicle, or area when a
逃生
逃離危險場所用的
designed to help people get out of a dangerous building, vehicle, or area when an emergency happens
The hotel staff showed every guest the nearest escape route during the fire drill.
飯店員工在消防演習時，向每位房客展示了最近的逃生路線。
collocation: escape route
An escape ladder hung from the balcony of the second-floor apartment.
二樓公寓的陽台上掛著一把逃生梯。
Pedro checked the escape hatch in the submarine before it went underwater.
Pedro 在潛水艇下水前檢查了逃生艙口。
The escape door at the back of the cinema opened into a narrow alley.
電影院後方的逃生門通往一條狹窄的巷子。
Every classroom should have a clearly marked escape route for emergencies.
每間教室都應設有標示清楚的逃生路線，以備緊急情況。
文法句型
escape + noun
用法筆記
Used only before a noun (attributive position). It does not appear after a linking verb: use 'escape + noun', not '*noun + is escape'.
常見錯誤
2. written into a legal document or agreement to allow a person or company to avoid
脫身的
合約中免除責任的
written into a legal document or agreement to allow a person or company to avoid a duty or obligation without a penalty
The contract contained an escape clause that let Caleb leave the partnership early.
合約中含有一條脫身條款，允許 Caleb 提前退出合夥關係。
collocation: escape clause
Lawyers often search for an escape hatch in the fine print of a business deal.
律師經常在商業合約的細小條文中尋找脫身之道。
collocation: escape hatch (legal context)
Without an escape clause, Anjali could not leave her job without paying a penalty.
如果沒有脫身條款，Anjali 就無法在不受罰的情況下離職。
The insurance policy included an escape clause for damage caused by natural disasters.
該保險保單包含一條因天災造成損失的免責條款。
Mert’s lawyer found an escape hatch in the rental agreement that waived the fee.
Mert 的律師在租約中找到一項可豁免費用的脫身條款。
文法句型
escape + noun
用法筆記
Like sense 1, this sense is used only attributively (before a noun). Most frequent in legal and financial writing; 'escape clause' and 'escape hatch' are the dominant collocations.