'escape' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'eschaper', where 'es-' meant 'out' and 'caper' meant 'to take'.

'eschaper' transformed into the Middle English word 'escapen', and eventually became the modern English word 'escape'.

Initially, it meant 'to take out or free', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to break free from confinement'.