lam

lam · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (informal, chiefly US) Hasty escape or flight, especially from the law.

  2. 2.

    (verb, informal) To flee hastily; to run away.

  3. 3.

    (verb) To hit or strike hard.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    on the lam — Fleeing from the police; in hiding.
  • •
    take it on the lam — To run away, especially to escape arrest.

Related words

See also: escape, flee, fugitive
Synonyms: escape, flight, getaway

Etymology

Possibly from Old Norse lemja ("to beat, to lame"), or from American slang of uncertain origin. The phrase "on the lam" appeared in the late 19th century.