A path out (4)
I believe the answer is:
away
'out' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'a path' is the wordplay.
'path' becomes 'way' (synonyms).
'a'+'way'='AWAY'
(Other definitions for away that I've seen before include "On holiday" , "football result!" , "Elsewhere" , "SECOND PART OF 18" , "and 9: Christmas carol" .)