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Meaning & use

esc

abbreviation·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌiː es ˈsiː/
US/ˌiː es ˈsiː/

Meanings

  1. abbreviation

    The Escape key on a computer keyboard, used to cancel an action or leave a screen.

    Grammar: Written without periods in modern use; say the three letters separately when speaking.

    Patterns

    • press esc
    • hit esc
    • esc key

    If the window freezes, press esc and try again.

    She hit esc to close the menu without saving.

    The game pauses when you tap esc on the keyboard.

  2. abbreviation

    A short way of writing 'escape', used on some buttons and signs.

    Grammar: Used mainly in writing on equipment or forms, not in ordinary speech.

    Patterns

    • esc button
    • esc sign

    The elevator panel had a small esc button marked in red.

    Look for the esc label if you want to get out of that display.

  3. abbreviationtechnical

    Electronic Stability Control, a car system that helps stop the vehicle from sliding.

    Grammar: Mostly found in car manuals and reviews; drivers usually say the full name.

    Patterns

    • the esc system
    • esc warning light

    The esc light came on when the road turned icy.

    Cars sold in that market must have esc fitted as standard.

Common combinations

press esc
Press esc to cancel the dialog box.
hit esc
He hit esc twice before the program closed.
the esc key
The esc key is at the top left of the keyboard.
esc to exit
A message on screen said 'esc to exit'.
esc button
She pressed the esc button on the control panel.
esc warning light
The esc warning light stayed on after the engine started.

Synonyms and how they differ

Escape key
The full name of the same key; use it in formal writing or when speaking to someone who may not know the abbreviation.
cancel key
An informal, non-technical name for a key that stops an action; it is not the official label on a keyboard.

Commonly confused: esc or Esc.? esc or exit?

esc vs Esc.

With a period and a capital E, this is often short for 'Escudo', an old currency, or for a Spanish title; the keyboard key is normally written without a period.

esc vs exit

'Exit' is a word or a command meaning to leave; 'esc' is the name of the key you press to do it.

Practice

Your video is playing full screen and you want to return to the normal window. What do you do?

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “esc”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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