exodus
EK-suh-duss
/ˈɛksədəs/
A mass departure of people, especially from a particular location or situation.
Implies a large-scale, significant movement of people rather than a few individuals leaving.
The story behind the word. From Ancient Greek 'exodos', literally meaning 'the road out'. It entered English through the biblical story of the Israelites departing Egypt, expanding over time to describe any mass departure.
Word relationships
- emigration: Emigration specifically refers to leaving one country for another, whereas exodus can refer to leaving any region or city.
- flight: Flight carries a stronger connotation of escaping immediate danger or conflict.
- influx: Influx means an arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things.
Commonly confused with
- exodus vs evacuation: Evacuation is forced by emergency authorities, while an exodus is a broader social movement.
Collocations
- mass exodus
- suburban exodus
- exodus of workers
- rural exodus
Example sentences
- "The postwar period saw a major exodus of middle-class families from deteriorating inner-city districts." Demographic History
Memory hook
EXODUS starts with 'EX' (like Exit) — a massive exit of people down the road (hodos). EXIT on the highway during an EXODUS.
When not to use
Do not use for routine daily departures or individual relocations.
Fun facts
- The second book of the Old Testament is named Exodus because it details Israel's exit from Egypt.
Related words
Also appears in
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