évader

to escape

verb eh-vah-DEH Less Common

Usage Note

évader is used reflexively as s'évader — 'to escape (from prison or a difficult situation)'. The non-reflexive form is archaic. S'évader de la réalité is a common figurative use meaning 'to escape from reality', used for leisure or daydreaming. The noun is évasion (f), giving us the English loanword 'evasion'.

Examples

"Il a réussi à s'évader de prison."

Natural Translation

He managed to escape from prison.

Literal Translation

He succeeded in escaping from prison.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

The Bonjour Rule: French Etiquette for Visitors

Always say bonjour before you ask, order, or pay in France — the unspoken rule that opens every door. A respectful visitor's guide to French etiquette.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

How to Say "I Miss You" in French (Without Errors)

"I miss you" in French is Tu me manques, not Je te manque. Learn the subject-flip behind manquer so you never text the opposite of what you mean.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French False Friends: 25 Faux Amis to Avoid

French false friends look like English words but mean something else: actuellement is not actually, sensible means sensitive. Here are 25 faux amis to avoid.

June 3, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Sorry in French: Désolé vs Pardon vs Excusez-moi

Use désolé for genuine regret, pardon to bump or squeeze past, and excusez-moi to get attention. A situation-by-situation guide to saying sorry in French.

June 4, 2026 5 min read