evacuation

word

/iˈvækjəˈweɪʃən/
i-vak-yuh-WAY-shuhn
/ɪvˌækjuːˈeɪʃən/
i-vak-yoo-AY-shuhn

Definition

The act of moving people from a dangerous place to a safer place, or the process of clearing a place of people.

Usage & Nuances

Common in emergency contexts (fires, natural disasters, bomb threats). Used in both formal (news, official) and everyday situations. Collocates with 'emergency', 'order', 'plan'. Not used for casual leaving (use 'leave' or 'exit' instead).

Example Sentences

The school had an evacuation because of the fire alarm.

basic

During the earthquake, the evacuation was very fast.

basic

People waited for the evacuation order from the police.

basic

There was a sudden evacuation at the airport because someone left a suspicious bag.

natural

Our building practiced an evacuation drill this morning just in case of emergencies.

natural

The government announced an evacuation plan for the areas near the volcano.

natural