(figuratively) Any clause, term or condition in a contract or statute that avoids the application of a provision

Any of the series of emergency doors, ladders, or stairs used to evacuate a building if a fire breaks out. / The entire escape route viewed as a whole.

Any genre of literature used as escapism

plural of fire escape

(computing, telecommunications) A single metacharacter, usually a control code, which in a sequence of characters signifies that what is to follow takes an alternative interpretation. The term escape sequence refers to the escape character and the subsequent character or characters so modified.

(cardiology) A heart rhythm that is initiated at places other than the sinus node.

plural of escape artist

A person who is skilled at escaping from confinement, for example from prisons. / An entertainer who performs escapes from perilous situations such as cages, coffins, and straitjackets.

plural of escape character

plural of escape sequence