Getaway

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Getaway

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and adjective

Pronunciation

GET-uh-way  /ˈɡɛtəweɪ/

Definition

As a noun: an escape from a place or situation, particularly in the context of a crime or from the pressures of everyday life; a short holiday or break. As an adjective: used for escaping (a getaway car).

Plain meaning

A getaway is an escape — either from criminals fleeing a crime scene or from a person taking a short, restorative break from everyday life.

Register

Informal in both senses. The crime sense is neutral and journalistic. The holiday sense is warm and colloquial — the word sells hotels and travel packages specifically because of its associations with escape and freedom.