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Meaning & use

means of escape

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UK/ˌmiːnz əv ɪˈskeɪp/
US/ˌmiːnz əv ɪˈskeɪp/

Meanings

  1. phrasecountabletechnical

    A route or way out of a building or dangerous place, especially in a fire.

    Grammar: Countable, and the plural is also 'means of escape': 'two means of escape'. It often appears in safety rules and building codes.

    Patterns

    • a means of escape from something
    • provide a means of escape
    • block a means of escape

    Every floor must have at least two means of escape in case of fire.

    The inspection found that boxes were blocking a means of escape.

    Clear signs should mark each means of escape from the building.

  2. phrasecountablefigurative

    A way of getting out of a difficult or unpleasant situation.

    Grammar: Used figuratively, often followed by 'from': 'a means of escape from poverty'.

    Patterns

    • a means of escape from something
    • offer a means of escape
    • find a means of escape

    Education gave her a means of escape from a life of poverty.

    For many readers, novels are a means of escape from daily stress.

    The job was his only means of escape from the family business.

Common combinations

a means of escape from something
The window served as a means of escape from the burning room.
provide a means of escape
The new tunnel provides a means of escape for workers underground.
block a means of escape
Never block a means of escape with furniture.
the only means of escape
The back stairs were the only means of escape.

Synonyms and how they differ

escape route
Escape route is the everyday term for a physical way out, while means of escape is the more formal phrase used in official safety rules.
way out
Way out is informal and general; means of escape sounds formal and is typical of regulations and reports.

Word family

escape verb
To get away from a place or situation.
escape noun
The act of getting away, or a way of getting away.

Commonly confused: means of escape or emergency exit?

means of escape vs emergency exit

An emergency exit is a specific door or opening; a means of escape is the whole route or method of getting out, which may include several exits and stairs.

Practice

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