Flee means to run away. You run away very fast. Why? Because there is danger. You want to be safe. So you flee from the danger.
To flee means to run away from something quickly. Often, you run away from danger.
Imagine you see a big, scary dog. You might flee to get away.
Or, if there is a fire, people would flee the building.
It's about leaving a place fast because of a problem or something scary.
To flee means to leave a dangerous place very quickly. Imagine you see something scary, like a big, barking dog that is not on a leash. Your first reaction might be to flee, or run away fast, to a safe place. People also flee from countries where there is war or from situations that are very difficult. It's all about getting away from danger or a bad situation as fast as you can.
At the C2 proficiency level, understanding 'flee' encompasses its nuanced applications beyond mere physical escape. It often alludes to a swift and deliberate departure from imminent peril, highlighting the intensity of the threat and the instinctual drive for self-preservation. This can extend to metaphorical contexts, such as 'fleeing' from responsibilities or uncomfortable truths, implying an evasion rather than a direct confrontation. The term also carries connotations of seeking refuge or sanctuary, further enriching its semantic depth.
Grammaire à connaître
1. Flee is an irregular verb. Its past tense and past participle form is 'fled'.
He fled the country after the revolution.
2. Flee is typically used with a preposition like 'from' to indicate the place or situation being escaped.
The refugees had to flee from their homes due to the war.
3. Flee can be followed by a direct object, which refers to the thing or person being avoided.
She tried to flee her pursuers.
4. Flee can be used in various tenses, including present simple, present continuous, past simple, past continuous, present perfect, and past perfect.
They are fleeing the burning building. (present continuous)
5. Flee is often used in formal or literary contexts, conveying a sense of drama or urgency.
The protagonist had to flee into the wilderness to escape capture.
Exemples par niveau
In the face of an impending natural disaster, residents were advised to flee to higher ground as quickly as possible.
Impending: about to happen. Higher ground: elevated areas less prone to flooding.
The verb 'flee' is used here to describe a rapid and urgent departure from danger.
The corrupt official, fearing imminent arrest, attempted to flee the country with stolen funds, but was apprehended at the airport.
Imminent: about to happen. Apprehended: caught and arrested.
'Flee' is used transitively here, taking 'the country' as its direct object, indicating the destination of escape.
Witnesses to the chaotic incident described how people began to flee in all directions, seeking refuge from the unforeseen violence.
Chaotic: in a state of complete confusion and disorder. Unforeseen: not anticipated or predicted.
The phrase 'flee in all directions' emphasizes the disorganized and widespread nature of the escape.
Despite the harsh conditions and constant threat of pursuit, many refugees were forced to flee their homes in search of safety and a better life.
Pursuit: the act of chasing or following someone. Refugees: people who have been forced to leave their country.
'Flee their homes' is a common collocation, highlighting the abandonment of one's residence due to danger.
When the stock market crashed, investors scrambled to flee from risky assets, causing further volatility in the global economy.
Scrambled: moved quickly and awkwardly. Volatility: tending to change rapidly and unpredictably.
Here, 'flee from' is used metaphorically to describe the urgent withdrawal of investments from a precarious situation.
The protagonist of the novel is constantly on the run, trying to flee from a shadowy organization that seeks to silence her.
Protagonist: the main character in a story. Shadowy: mysterious and hidden.
The present participle 'fleeing' is used to describe an ongoing action, emphasizing the continuous nature of her escape.
Rather than confront the complex ethical dilemma, some politicians chose to flee from their responsibilities, avoiding difficult decisions.
Confront: meet face to face with hostile intent. Ethical dilemma: a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made.
In this context, 'flee from their responsibilities' is a metaphorical use of 'flee', implying an avoidance of duty.
As the oppressive regime tightened its grip, many intellectuals and artists felt compelled to flee the country to preserve their freedom of expression.
Oppressive regime: a government that rules harshly and unjustly. Compelled: forced or obliged to do something.
'Felt compelled to flee' indicates that the decision to escape was not voluntary but driven by external pressures.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
flee for your life
flee without a trace
flee into the night
flee in panic
flee to higher ground
flee the clutches of someone/something
flee at the first sign of trouble
flee from responsibility
flee in haste
flee the nest
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'flea' that has to 'flee' quickly from danger, perhaps from a giant finger trying to squish it. The word 'flee' sounds like 'flea', helping you remember the meaning of running away quickly.
Association visuelle
Picture a person frantically running away from a roaring lion. The person's face is filled with fear, and their legs are pumping hard, kicking up dust as they 'flee' to safety. Focus on the action of running away from danger.
Word Web
Défi
Describe a scenario where someone would need to flee. For example, 'The campers had to _____ when they saw the bear approaching their tent.' (Answer: flee)
Teste-toi 78 questions
Write a short sentence about an animal that might flee from danger.
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Sample answer
The mouse can flee from the cat.
Imagine you see a small bird. What would make it flee?
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Sample answer
A loud noise would make the bird flee.
Complete the sentence: When it rains hard, I want to ___ inside.
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Sample answer
When it rains hard, I want to run inside.
What did the rabbit do when it saw the fox?
Read this passage:
A little rabbit was playing in the grass. Suddenly, a big fox came. The rabbit saw the fox and felt scared. It quickly ran away into its hole.
What did the rabbit do when it saw the fox?
The passage says, 'It quickly ran away into its hole.' This means the rabbit fled.
The passage says, 'It quickly ran away into its hole.' This means the rabbit fled.
Why did the ant move fast?
Read this passage:
There was a small ant walking on the sidewalk. A big foot came near. The ant did not want to get stepped on. So, the ant moved very fast to a safe place.
Why did the ant move fast?
The ant moved fast because 'A big foot came near' and 'The ant did not want to get stepped on.' This is an example of fleeing from danger.
The ant moved fast because 'A big foot came near' and 'The ant did not want to get stepped on.' This is an example of fleeing from danger.
What did the boy do when he saw the scary dog?
Read this passage:
A boy was in the park. He saw a scary dog. The dog barked loudly. The boy did not like the dog and went home quickly.
What did the boy do when he saw the scary dog?
The boy 'went home quickly' because 'He saw a scary dog' and 'The dog barked loudly.' He fled from the scary situation.
The boy 'went home quickly' because 'He saw a scary dog' and 'The dog barked loudly.' He fled from the scary situation.
The small mouse tried to ___ from the cat.
To 'flee' means to run away quickly from danger, which fits the context of a mouse escaping a cat.
After the alarm, everyone started to ___ the building.
When an alarm sounds, people typically 'flee' or evacuate the building for safety.
The children wanted to ___ from the loud noise.
If a noise is loud and possibly frightening, the natural reaction for children would be to 'flee' from it.
The birds decided to ___ south for the winter.
While 'fly' is also possible, 'flee' emphasizes leaving a place due to unfavorable conditions, which applies to birds migrating for winter.
The police told the crowd to ___ the area quickly.
In a dangerous situation, police would instruct people to 'flee' or leave the area for safety.
She had to ___ her home because of the flood.
A flood is a dangerous situation that would cause someone to 'flee' their home.
Think about what the mouse wants to do.
What did people do when the fire started?
Why did she leave her country?
Read this aloud:
He had to flee from the angry dog.
Focus: flee
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It is important to know how to flee in an emergency.
Focus: emergency
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Many animals flee when they sense danger.
Focus: sense danger
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Imagine you are in a park and it suddenly starts to rain very heavily. What do you do to 'flee' the rain? Write 1-2 sentences.
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Sample answer
When it started to rain, I quickly ran under a big tree to find shelter. I wanted to flee from the rain.
You see a small mouse in your kitchen. What would you do to make it 'flee'? Write 1-2 sentences.
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Sample answer
I would clap my hands loudly to scare the mouse. I hope it would flee from the kitchen.
Think about a time you wanted to 'flee' from a boring situation, like a long meeting or a dull movie. What did you wish you could do? Write 1-2 sentences.
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Sample answer
During the long meeting, I wanted to flee to go home. I wished I could just quietly leave.
Why did the bird fly away?
Read this passage:
A little bird was in a big tree. Suddenly, a cat came close to the tree. The bird saw the cat and quickly flew away to another tree. It wanted to be safe.
Why did the bird fly away?
The passage states, 'The bird saw the cat and quickly flew away... It wanted to be safe.' This means it was trying to escape the danger of the cat, which is to flee.
The passage states, 'The bird saw the cat and quickly flew away... It wanted to be safe.' This means it was trying to escape the danger of the cat, which is to flee.
Where did the dog go to flee from the noise?
Read this passage:
There was a loud noise outside the window. The small dog got scared and ran under the bed. It stayed there until the noise stopped.
Where did the dog go to flee from the noise?
The passage says, 'The small dog got scared and ran under the bed.' This shows it went under the bed to escape the noise.
The passage says, 'The small dog got scared and ran under the bed.' This shows it went under the bed to escape the noise.
What did the children do to flee from the storm?
Read this passage:
The children were playing outside when a big storm started. The wind was very strong and it started to thunder. They quickly ran into the house to get away from the bad weather.
What did the children do to flee from the storm?
The passage says, 'They quickly ran into the house to get away from the bad weather.' This means they ran into the house to flee the storm.
The passage says, 'They quickly ran into the house to get away from the bad weather.' This means they ran into the house to flee the storm.
The small mouse tried to ___ from the cat.
To 'flee' means to run away quickly from danger, which fits the context of a mouse escaping a cat.
After the argument, he decided to ___ the party.
To 'flee' can also mean to escape an unpleasant situation, like leaving a party after an argument.
Many people had to ___ their homes during the war.
In times of war, people often have to 'flee' their homes to escape danger.
If you flee a situation, you are running towards danger.
To 'flee' means to run away from danger, not towards it.
A person might flee from a burning building.
A burning building is a dangerous situation, so it makes sense to 'flee' from it.
To flee always involves traveling a very long distance.
While 'fleeing' can involve long distances, it simply means to run away quickly from danger, regardless of the distance.
Listen for what the deer had to do because of the wildfire.
Consider why people might leave their home countries in a hurry.
What was his feeling after the argument?
Read this aloud:
Can you imagine a situation where you might need to flee?
Focus: flee
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Describe a time you felt like you wanted to flee from something unpleasant.
Focus: unpleasant, flee
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Why do animals sometimes flee from humans?
Focus: animals, flee, humans
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Imagine you are in a crowded place and suddenly you hear a loud noise. Describe what you would do and why you might feel the need to flee the situation.
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Sample answer
If I heard a loud noise in a crowded place, I would first look around to see what was happening. If it seemed like there was danger, I would try to run away quickly to find safety. I would feel the need to flee to escape any potential harm.
Complete the following sentence with your own words, using the word 'flee': 'After the alarm sounded, everyone began to ______.'
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Sample answer
After the alarm sounded, everyone began to flee the building quickly to get to safety.
Write a short paragraph about a time when an animal might need to flee from danger. What kind of danger would it be, and where would it go?
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Sample answer
A rabbit might need to flee from a fox in the forest. The fox is a predator, so the rabbit would feel danger. It would quickly run away and try to hide in a burrow or in some thick bushes to escape.
Why did the mouse disappear under the refrigerator?
Read this passage:
A small mouse was exploring the kitchen when suddenly, a large cat entered the room. The mouse knew it was in danger. Without thinking, it scurried across the floor and disappeared under the refrigerator, trying to flee from the predator.
Why did the mouse disappear under the refrigerator?
The passage states that the mouse knew it was in danger and was trying to flee from the predator, the cat.
The passage states that the mouse knew it was in danger and was trying to flee from the predator, the cat.
What caused the villagers to flee their village?
Read this passage:
During a heavy storm, the river began to rise rapidly. The villagers watched with worry as the water approached their homes. Many decided it was safest to flee their village and seek shelter on higher ground until the storm passed.
What caused the villagers to flee their village?
The passage clearly states that 'the river began to rise rapidly' and because of this, 'Many decided it was safest to flee their village'.
The passage clearly states that 'the river began to rise rapidly' and because of this, 'Many decided it was safest to flee their village'.
What is the hero's main goal when he has to flee?
Read this passage:
In a thrilling action movie, the hero often has to flee from dangerous situations. He might run from explosions, chase scenes, or even a collapsing building. His main goal is always to escape and survive.
What is the hero's main goal when he has to flee?
The passage states that the hero's 'main goal is always to escape and survive' when he has to flee.
The passage states that the hero's 'main goal is always to escape and survive' when he has to flee.
This sentence describes people escaping a fire.
This sentence indicates a desire to escape from a country.
This sentence explains why people had to leave their homes quickly due to a storm.
Imagine you are a journalist reporting on a sudden natural disaster. Describe a scene where people have to flee their homes, focusing on the emotions and challenges they face.
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Sample answer
In the chaos of the earthquake, residents had mere minutes to flee their collapsing homes. The air was thick with dust and screams as families clutched their children and whatever meager belongings they could snatch, their faces etched with fear and uncertainty about the future. Many sought refuge in makeshift shelters, wondering if they would ever return to what was once their safe haven.
Write a short narrative from the perspective of an animal that has to flee its natural habitat due to human activity or environmental changes.
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Sample answer
The scent of smoke grew stronger each day, a harsh intrusion into my forest home. My instinct urged me to flee, away from the encroaching fire that threatened to consume everything I knew. With a heavy heart, I left behind the familiar trees and babbling brook, venturing into an unknown territory, driven by the sole purpose of survival.
Describe a scenario where someone has to flee from an uncomfortable social situation. What feelings are involved, and what are the possible consequences?
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Sample answer
The conversation at the dinner party took an unexpected and highly awkward turn. Feeling a flush creep up her neck, Sarah desperately wanted to flee the increasingly uncomfortable social situation. The embarrassment was palpable, and though she managed to make a quick exit, she worried about the impression she might have left.
What was the primary reason families were forced to flee their homes?
Read this passage:
During the war, many families were forced to flee their homes in search of safety. They often left with only the clothes on their backs, carrying their children and what little food they could gather. The journey was perilous, filled with uncertainty and fear, but the hope of finding peace in a new land propelled them forward.
What was the primary reason families were forced to flee their homes?
The passage explicitly states 'forced to flee their homes in search of safety' and mentions 'the hope of finding peace'.
The passage explicitly states 'forced to flee their homes in search of safety' and mentions 'the hope of finding peace'.
What created the urgent need for residents to flee?
Read this passage:
The sudden eruption of the volcano sent ash clouds high into the sky, casting a dark shadow over the valley. Residents were instructed to flee immediately, leaving behind their farms and livestock. The roads quickly became jammed with cars and people on foot, all desperate to escape the impending disaster.
What created the urgent need for residents to flee?
The passage clearly states 'The sudden eruption of the volcano sent ash clouds high into the sky' and 'Residents were instructed to flee immediately'.
The passage clearly states 'The sudden eruption of the volcano sent ash clouds high into the sky' and 'Residents were instructed to flee immediately'.
Why did the workers have to flee the factory?
Read this passage:
The old factory, once a bustling hub of activity, became derelict and unsafe. Rumors of its impending demolition spread quickly, and the last remaining workers had to flee the site, abandoning their tools and equipment. They knew staying any longer would be too risky.
Why did the workers have to flee the factory?
The passage mentions the factory became 'derelict and unsafe' and 'Rumors of its impending demolition spread quickly, and the last remaining workers had to flee the site'.
The passage mentions the factory became 'derelict and unsafe' and 'Rumors of its impending demolition spread quickly, and the last remaining workers had to flee the site'.
After the scandal broke, the CEO decided to ___ the country, hoping to avoid prosecution.
To 'flee' means to run away quickly from danger or an unpleasant situation. In this context, the CEO is escaping prosecution.
Despite the imminent danger, the villagers refused to ___ their homes, choosing to protect their ancestral land.
To 'flee' specifically implies running away from danger. While 'evacuate' and 'abandon' are close, 'flee' conveys the urgency and direct escape from a threat.
The young activist was forced to ___ her homeland after receiving credible threats to her life.
The context of 'credible threats to her life' strongly indicates a situation of danger, making 'flee' the most appropriate verb to describe escaping quickly from that threat.
If you flee a situation, you are actively choosing to confront the problem head-on.
To 'flee' means to run away from a dangerous or unpleasant situation, not to confront it.
A person might flee a burning building to ensure their safety.
Fleeing a burning building is a prime example of running away quickly from a dangerous situation to escape a threat.
To flee always implies a slow and deliberate departure from a place.
The definition of 'flee' emphasizes running away quickly, implying urgency, not a slow departure.
The sentence describes people escaping danger.
Listen for why the CEO left.
What event caused people to leave their homes?
Read this aloud:
Describe a hypothetical scenario where you would feel compelled to flee a situation, detailing the circumstances and your rationale.
Focus: compelled, rationale, circumstances
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Discuss the ethical implications of a government's decision to not provide safe passage for refugees attempting to flee a war-torn region.
Focus: ethical, implications, war-torn
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Imagine you are a journalist reporting on a mass exodus. How would you describe the urgency and desperation of people trying to flee their homes?
Focus: exodus, urgency, desperation
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Imagine a scenario where a character has to flee a sudden, unexpected danger. Describe the scene, focusing on their immediate thoughts, actions, and the sensory details of their escape. How do they feel, and what are the immediate consequences of their decision to flee?
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Sample answer
The piercing shriek of the fire alarm shattered the evening's tranquility, an instant jolt to her system. Instinctively, Eleanor grabbed her emergency bag, her heart hammering against her ribs as she joined the chaotic stream of residents fleeing the building. Smoke, acrid and thick, stung her eyes and clawed at her throat, forcing a desperate cough. Each step down the stairwell felt precarious, a frantic descent into the unknown, fueled by a primal need for self-preservation. Outside, the night air offered a cold, sharp contrast to the inferno, but the true magnitude of the disaster, and the uncertainty of her future, began to set in.
Discuss the ethical implications of a group of people choosing to 'flee' a challenging social or political situation, leaving others behind. Consider both the immediate and long-term consequences for those who flee and those who remain.
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Sample answer
The decision to flee a dire social or political situation often presents a profound ethical dilemma. While the primal instinct for self-prespreservation is undeniable, the act of leaving others behind can trigger a cascade of complex consequences. Those who flee might experience survivor's guilt, a sense of detachment from their homeland, and the challenges of assimilation in a new environment. Conversely, those who remain could face exacerbated hardships due to diminished numbers, a loss of leadership, and a fractured social fabric. The long-term implications involve the potential for brain drain, a weakening of resistance movements, and a legacy of resentment that can fester for generations, underscoring the intricate balance between individual survival and collective responsibility.
You are a historical chronicler documenting a significant event where a large population was forced to flee their homes due to war or natural disaster. Describe the human experience of this mass exodus, focusing on the emotional toll, the logistical challenges, and the resilience displayed.
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Sample answer
The year 1472 witnessed an unprecedented exodus from the northern territories, as the relentless advance of the invading army forced entire communities to flee. The human experience of this mass displacement was harrowing. Families, burdened by what little they could carry, trudged southward, their faces etched with a mixture of fear, exhaustion, and grim determination. Children, clutching tattered dolls, mirrored the silent despair of their parents. Logistically, the journey was a nightmare; roads became choked arteries of humanity, resources dwindled, and the harsh winter weather claimed countless lives. Yet, amidst the despair, extraordinary resilience shone through. Communities reformed on the road, sharing meager provisions, offering solace, and finding strength in collective suffering, a testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of utter devastation.
What is the primary reason some residents chose not to flee the hurricane?
Read this passage:
In the face of an impending hurricane, the coastal town's residents were advised to evacuate. While many chose to heed the warnings and flee inland, a small, stubborn contingent decided to weather the storm, believing their homes were sturdy enough to withstand its fury. The local authorities, despite repeated pleas, could not compel them to leave. When the hurricane finally made landfall, its destructive power surpassed all predictions, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. Those who had fled were spared, but the fate of those who remained was uncertain, highlighting the often dire consequences of underestimating natural phenomena.
What is the primary reason some residents chose not to flee the hurricane?
The passage explicitly states that a 'stubborn contingent decided to weather the storm, believing their homes were sturdy enough to withstand its fury.'
The passage explicitly states that a 'stubborn contingent decided to weather the storm, believing their homes were sturdy enough to withstand its fury.'
What is one of the significant challenges faced by the individuals who fled across the border?
Read this passage:
The political unrest in the neighboring country reached a fever pitch, forcing thousands to flee across the border in search of refuge. These displaced individuals, many of whom had left behind everything they owned, faced immense challenges in their new environment. Language barriers, cultural differences, and the trauma of their experiences created a complex web of difficulties. International aid organizations mobilized quickly, providing essential supplies and support, but the long-term integration of such a large influx of people presented a formidable task, requiring sustained effort and understanding from both the host nation and the global community.
What is one of the significant challenges faced by the individuals who fled across the border?
The passage mentions 'the trauma of their experiences' as one of the complex difficulties faced by the displaced individuals.
The passage mentions 'the trauma of their experiences' as one of the complex difficulties faced by the displaced individuals.
What is the primary factor driving the gazelle's actions?
Read this passage:
The gazelle, sensing the lioness's approach, instinctively knew it had to flee. Its powerful hind legs propelled it forward across the savanna, a blur of speed and grace. The chase was a primal ballet, a desperate struggle for survival. The gazelle's heart pounded, its lungs burned, but the instinct to outrun its predator was paramount. Every muscle screamed, every fiber of its being focused on escape. This innate reaction, honed over millennia of evolution, often means the difference between life and death in the wild, a testament to the efficiency of natural selection.
What is the primary factor driving the gazelle's actions?
The passage clearly states, 'the instinct to outrun its predator was paramount,' and 'every fiber of its being focused on escape.'
The passage clearly states, 'the instinct to outrun its predator was paramount,' and 'every fiber of its being focused on escape.'
The company's unethical practices caused many of its most talented employees to ___ to rival firms.
To 'flee' in this context means to quickly leave a situation, often due to negative circumstances, which aligns with employees leaving an unethical company for competitors.
Faced with an imminent economic collapse, investors began to ___ their capital from the volatile market.
To 'flee' capital implies a rapid withdrawal of funds from a risky or collapsing situation, which fits the context of an economic collapse.
The oppressive regime forced countless citizens to ___ their homeland in search of asylum.
To 'flee' a homeland means to escape quickly due to persecution or danger, which is consistent with citizens seeking asylum from an oppressive regime.
As the scandal intensified, the minister found it increasingly difficult to ___ the public scrutiny.
To 'flee' public scrutiny implies an attempt to escape or avoid intense examination and criticism, which is often a reaction to a worsening scandal.
The rapid spread of the infectious disease caused many urban dwellers to ___ to the countryside.
To 'flee' to the countryside indicates a quick departure from an urban area due to the threat of an infectious disease, seeking safety.
Despite the severe penalties, a number of high-profile individuals attempted to ___ justice by escaping the country.
To 'flee' justice means to evade legal consequences by escaping, which aligns with individuals leaving the country to avoid severe penalties.
/ 78 correct
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