evacuation
ih-vak-yoo-AY-shun
/ɪˌvæk.juˈeɪ.ʃən/
The urgent removal of persons or animals from a zone of danger to a place of safety.
Stresses an immediate safety imperative driven by an active or incoming hazard.
The story behind the word. Built from Latin 'ex-' (out) and 'vacuus' (empty). Literally meaning 'to make empty', it originally referred to emptying bodily fluids in medical contexts before evolving into clearing people out of dangerous areas.
Word relationships
- withdrawal: Implies stepping back tactically rather than rescuing civilians.
- clearance: Focuses on removing physical obstacles or obtaining official permission.
- reentry: Returning to an evacuated area after danger passes.
- occupation: Taking up residence or military hold in an area.
Commonly confused with
- emigration: Emigration is a permanent move to another country; evacuation is temporary flight from active peril.
Word family
- evacuate (verb): To vacate a dangerous area or move individuals to safety.
- evacuee (noun): A person who has been evacuated from a dangerous location.
Collocations
- evacuation order
- evacuation route
- mass evacuation
- evacuation center
Idioms & expressions
- clear out
Example sentences
- "Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for coastal residents ahead of the incoming hurricane." Disaster Preparedness
Memory hook
An EVACUATION leaves an area VACANT for safety. Empty out to safety.
When not to use
Do not confuse with routine moving or relocation during non-emergency times.
Fun facts
- Operation Dynamo in 1940 was the largest military evacuation in history, rescuing over 338,000 soldiers from Dunkirk.
Related words
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