1 C1 idiomatic formal
to remove someone or something quickly and secretly, often to protect them or hide them
"The witness was spirited away before reporters reached the building."
separable
spirit away
C1 formal separable transitive
to take someone or something away quickly and secretly
In plain English
to move someone or something away fast and quietly so others do not notice
What does "spirit away" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to carry away like a spirit, unseen and swift
Actually means
to move someone or something away fast and quietly so others do not notice
Usage tip
Often literary, journalistic, or dramatic in tone. It suggests secrecy, speed, and sometimes rescue or removal from danger.
Words that pair with "spirit away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
child documents victim prisoner away to safety secretly
How to conjugate "spirit away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
spirit away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spirits away
he/she/it
Past simple
spirited away
yesterday
Past participle
spirited away
have + pp
-ing form
spiriting away
continuous
Hear "spirit away" in the wild
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Other ways to say "spirit away"
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