Egress Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Egress, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Egress?

n. way of departure. A word usually used in conjunction with “access” or “ingress.”

History and Meaning of Egress

The term "egress" has been used in legal language since the 16th century, and is derived from the Middle French word "egrasser", which means "to go out." In legal terms, egress refers to a means of departure, typically from a building or property, and is often used in conjunction with the term "access" or "ingress" to describe how individuals can enter or exit a property.

Examples of Egress

  1. The landlord was required to provide tenants with a safe and secure means of egress in the event of an emergency.
  2. The building code requires that all rooms have at least two means of egress in case of fire or other emergency situations.
  3. The homeowner was fined for blocking the egress route with parked vehicles.
  4. The tenant complained that the egress door was obstructed by landlord's personal belongings, making it difficult to exit the property.
  5. The new construction plans included the installation of an additional egress route for improved safety.

Legal Terms Similar to Egress

  • Ingress: Similar to egress, this term refers to the act of entering a property or building.
  • Access: This term refers to the ability to enter or exit a property, and is often used in conjunction with egress to describe the means of getting in and out of a building or space.
  • Easement: This term refers to a legal right to use someone else's property for a specific purpose, such as gaining access to a public street or pathway. While related to egress and access, it is not directly interchangeable with these terms.