Quranic root
نوص
n · w · ṣ
A root orientation toward restless movement, coming and going, and turning from one position to another.
This motion-oriented sense develops into withdrawal, retreat, and fleeing; مَنَاصٌ can denote either the escape sought or a refuge and recourse, while related forms describe restless movement and head-raising.
- Maqāyīs · row 4789
- Lane · entry 44763
- Mufradāt · row 1499
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 2
- Quran senses
- 1
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
مَنَاصٌ
manāṣun
- Part of speech
- Noun · verbal noun / place noun
- Quran occurrences
- 1 occurrence
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
Escape, withdrawal, or a way of getting away.
In وَلَاتَ حِينَ مَنَاصٍ, it denotes the opportunity or possibility of fleeing or retreating that is no longer available.
- Lane · entry 44763
- Mufradāt · row 1499
Selected Quran examples
Quran 38:3word 10
“(for) escape”
A refuge, safe recourse, or means of seeking protection.
In the Quranic construction وَلَاتَ حِينَ مَنَاصٍ, the word is also interpreted as referring to recourse, petitioning, or seeking aid and protection.
- Lane · entry 44768
- Lane · entry 44763
- Mufradāt · row 1499
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 38:3مَنَاصٍۢ(for) escape
Broader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 7 Classical meanings
نَاصَ
To set oneself in motion, go away, or possess the movement and activity needed to act.
Includes preparing oneself for movement and, in an expression about a person, having strength or activity for accomplishing a task.
- Lane · entry 44763
نَاصَ
Of a horse, to raise its head and set itself in motion to run.
Especially said of a horse whose bridle is being drawn in while it is urged into motion.
- Lane · entry 44763
نَاصَ إِلَيْهِ
To rise or come up to someone.
Used with إِلَى to describe movement toward a person.
- Lane · entry 44763
نَاصَ
To turn aside from or avoid an affair, or to withdraw from and flee an opponent, eluding him.
This is the broader verbal use of turning away, withdrawing, or fleeing outside the specific Quranic noun construction.
- Lane · entry 44763
نَوْصٌ
A wild ass.
The designation is associated with its restless raising of the head and going to and fro as though fleeing at random.
- Lane · entry 44766
نَائِصٌ
One who raises the head and runs away at random; specifically, a wild ass, and also a horse that raises its head.
An active-participial description of restless head-raising and erratic movement.
- Lane · entry 44767
نَاوَصَ
To work at or handle a jar.
A distinct Form III usage recorded for ممارَسة الجَرَّة, ‘working at the jar.’
- Maqāyīs · row 4789
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
Lane's Quran citation uses historical Roman-numeral citation notation and is not independently converted into a modern location; the supplied QAC data securely locates the Quranic occurrence at 38:3:10.
The Quranic phrase وَلَاتَ حِينَ مَنَاصٍ supports both an escape-or-retreat interpretation and a refuge-or-recourse interpretation in the supplied lexical evidence.