Word
evacuate
Meanings
to move people away from a dangerous place to safety
to clear a building or area so that no one remains inside, especially during an emergency
Definition
To evacuate means to move people away from a place because it is dangerous.
To evacuate is to remove people from an area quickly and safely when there is a serious risk, such as a fire, flood, or security threat. It is often done under official instructions and may involve leaving homes, buildings, or entire neighborhoods. The verb can also refer to clearing a building so that no one remains inside.
Examples
- The authorities decided to evacuate the coastal villages before the storm made landfall.
- I had to evacuate the laboratory when the alarm signaled a possible gas leak.
- They evacuated the entire terminal after unattended luggage was found near the entrance.
- She helped evacuate the apartment block, checking each floor to make sure no one was left behind.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "evacuate" (move people out) with "escape" (leave by oneself) and mistakenly say "evacuate from" instead of simply "evacuate" a place.
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