v. 1. To get loose or get free; become free from being held or controlled; succeed in leaving; escape. As Jim was trying the bat, it got away from him and hit Tom. Someone left the door open, and the puppy got away. Mary tried to catch a butterfly, but it got away from her. The bank robbers used a stolen car to get away. If Mr. Graham can get away from his store this afternoon, he will take Johnny fishing. 2. To begin; start. We got away early in the morning on the first day of our vacation. The race got away to a fast start.
Compare: GET OFF 3 , START IN, START OUT.