spirit away
C1 formal separable transitive
In simple words
to move someone or something away fast and quietly so others do not notice
Literal meaning: to carry away like a spirit, unseen and swift
Meanings
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."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Often literary, journalistic, or dramatic in tone. It suggests secrecy, speed, and sometimes rescue or removal from danger.
Commonly used with
child documents victim prisoner away to safety secretly
Forms
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
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Synonyms
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