1run 
/ˈrʌn/ verb
runs; ran /ˈrʌn/ verb /ˈræn/; run; run·ning 1 [no obj] a : to move with your legs at a speed that is faster than walking
▪ How fast can you run? ▪ He runs faster than anyone else on the team. ▪ She ran up the stairs to get her jacket. ▪ We ran for the train—but missed it. ▪ I heard her scream and ran to help. ▪ She ran to me for help. ▪ The dog ran away from me. ▪ The dog ran toward me. ▪ When I called the dog, he came running. ▪ Don't expect me to come running every time you want something. I'm not your servant. ▪ The chickens were running loose in the yard. ▪ The horses ran wild. ▪ He ran at me with a knife. [=he ran toward me with a knife in his hand] — often used figuratively ▪ He ran back to his ex-girlfriend after I dumped him. ▪ You can't keep running away from your problems. ▪ Don't come running to me when you get in trouble. ▪ Don't let your imagination run wild. I'm sure nothing bad has happened.
b : to leave a place quickly by running
▪ When the alarm sounded, the robbers ran. ▪ He dropped the gun and ran. ▪ Quick! Run and get a doctor! ▪ The ambushed soldiers ran for cover. ▪ They had the enemy running scared. — often + away ▪ When she saw all the people in the audience, she had a sudden urge to run away. ▪ They ran away screaming. — often + off ▪ When they saw the police, they quickly ran off. 2 a : to run as part of a sport, for exercise, or in a race [no obj] ▪ He ran on the track team in college. ▪ She's running in the marathon this year. ▪ The horse will not be running in this race. [+ obj] ▪ I run six miles every day. ▪ She ran a great race. [=she ran very well in the race] ▪ He ran track in college. ▪ She's running the marathon this year. ▪ The marathon will be run tomorrow. [=people will be running the marathon tomorrow]
b American football : to carry and run with (the ball) [+ obj] ▪ He ran the football for a 20-yard gain. ▪ He ran the kick back to the 40-yard line. [no obj] ▪ He ran for 15 yards.
c baseball : to run from base to base [no obj] ▪ He runs well and might attempt a steal. [+ obj] ▪ He runs the bases well. 3 [+ obj] : to cause (an animal) to run
▪ He ran the horse through the fields. 4 [no obj] chiefly US : to be a candidate in an election for a particular office — often + for ▪ She is running [=(Brit) standing] for mayor. — often + against ▪ He is running against her in the upcoming election. 5 [+ obj] a : to direct the business or activities of (something)
▪ She runs [=manages] the restaurant/hotel/store. ▪ He runs the after-school program. ▪ The President is doing a good job running the country. ▪ The company is badly/privately run. ▪ state/family-run companies ▪ I'm old enough to run my own life! [=make my own decisions]
b : to do (a test or check) on someone or something
▪ The doctors need to run some more tests. — often + on ▪ The doctors ran some tests on the blood samples. ▪ The police ran a security check on him. 6 a [+ obj] : to use and control (something)
▪ I'm not licensed to run [=operate] a forklift.
b [+ obj] : to put (something) into operation
▪ You should run the engine for a few minutes before you start driving. ▪ He ran the program (on the computer).
c [no obj] : to function or operate
▪ Never leave your car unattended while the engine is running. ▪ He didn't know the camera was still running. ▪ He had his new computer up and running in no time. — often + on ▪ This software runs on most computers. ▪ The car runs on [=uses] diesel. 7 a usually followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to go on a particular route or at particular times
▪ The bus/ferry runs every hour. ▪ The train runs between New York and Washington. ▪ Trains no longer run on this track. ▪ The buses are running late. [=the buses are late]
b [+ obj] : to have (a bus, train, ferry, etc.) traveling on a route
▪ They run extra trains on Saturdays. 8 a [no obj] : to make a quick trip to a place for something
▪ She ran (up/down) to the store for bread and milk. ▪ He ran over to the neighbors for some sugar.
b [+ obj] : to drive (someone) a short distance to a place or event
▪ I have to run the kids to soccer practice.
c always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to bring (something) quickly to someone who is at a particular place
▪ Wait here. I'm just going to run this in/inside to her. ▪ He ran an umbrella out to her before she drove off.
d [+ obj] : to do (something that involves making a quick trip) : to do (an errand)
▪ I have a few errands to run after I leave work today. 9 always followed by an adverb or preposition a [+ obj] : to cause (a driver or vehicle) to move in a particular direction
▪ That car tried to run me off the road! ▪ She ran her car off the road. ▪ He ran the car into a tree.
b [no obj] of a driver or vehicle : to move in a particular direction
▪ His car ran off the road. = He ran off the road. — see also run into (below), run over (below) 10 always followed by an adverb or preposition a [+ obj] : to cause (something) to pass through, over, along, or into something else
▪ She ran her fingers through my hair. ▪ He ran a brush over the dog's fur. ▪ I quickly ran my eyes over/down the list of names.
b [no obj] : to travel or spread in a fast or uncontrolled way
▪ Whispers ran through the crowd. ▪ A chill ran up/down my spine. 11 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] a : to go or extend in a particular direction
▪ The boundary line runs east. ▪ The road runs through the mountain. ▪ The highway runs from Boston to New York. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ My tastes in novels run to/toward science fiction and thrillers. [=I tend to like science fiction and thrillers] ▪ Such behavior runs counter to [=such behavior does not agree with] the values of our society. ▪ He does nothing that would run against [=go against] his moral principles.
b — used to describe the position of a road, path, etc. ▪ The highway runs close to the shore. ▪ The route runs the length of the eastern coast. ▪ A path runs along the ridge. ▪ The pipes run beneath the floor. ▪ There was a scratch running down the side of the car. 12 [+ obj] : to cause (something, such as a wire or cable) to go or extend from one point to another
▪ He ran the wires up from the basement. 13 [+ obj] : to bring (something) from one country into another country illegally and secretly
▪ He was arrested for running [=smuggling] drugs into the country. 14 a [no obj] : to flow
▪ He left the water running. : to flow in a particular direction ▪ The river runs down to the valley. ▪ The river runs into the gulf. ▪ The tide was running out. ▪ Sand ran out of the bag. ▪ Steam runs through the pipes. ▪ Blood was running down his leg.
b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to flow or to produce a flow of water
▪ She ran the tap/faucet. ▪ Run the water until it gets hot.
c [+ obj] : to prepare (a bath) by running a faucet
▪ She ran a hot bath for her husband. = She ran her husband a hot bath. 15 [no obj] a : to produce a flow of liquid
▪ Chopping the onions made my eyes run. [=water] ▪ I knew I was getting sick when my nose started to run. ▪ a running sore
b : to spread or flow into another area
▪ Your eyeliner is running. ▪ Mascara ran from her eyes. ▪ The paint ran in some spots. ▪ The writing was blurred where the ink ran.
c : to have a color that spreads onto other pieces of clothing when clothes are washed together
▪ Her red shirt ran and made my blue jeans look purple. ▪ colors that run 16 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to continue or remain effective for a particular period of time
▪ His contract runs until next season. ▪ She received six months on each charge, and the sentences are to run concurrently. ▪ The course runs over a six-week period of time. ▪ The televised game ran 30 minutes over the scheduled time. ▪ The play has run for six months. ▪ Things ran smoothly at the office while the boss was away. 17 [no obj] : to be or to begin to be something specified
▪ The well has run dry. ▪ Her creativity has run dry. ▪ We are running low on fuel. [=our supply of fuel is getting low] ▪ Supplies were running low/short. ▪ We ran short of money. [=we did not have enough money] ▪ I have to hurry. I'm running late. [=I'm late; I'm behind schedule] ▪ The project is running behind schedule. 18 [no obj] : to include everything between specified limits : range
▪ The prices for tickets run from $10 to $50. 19 [+ obj] : to allow charges on (a bill) to add up before paying
▪ He ran a tab at the bar. 20 a [+ obj] : to have (an amount of money) as a price
▪ The rooms run [=cost] $100 a night.
b [no obj] : to have or reach a particular length, size, or amount
▪ The book runs (to) nearly 500 pages. ▪ Their annual budget runs to about 5 million dollars. ▪ Their yearly income runs into/to six figures. [=their yearly income is more than $100,000] ▪ Gas is running at over $4 per gallon. [=gas prices are over $4 per gallon] 21 a [+ obj] : to print or broadcast (something)
▪ Every newspaper in the city ran the story. ▪ The ad was run in yesterday's newspaper. ▪ The news station ran a feature on how to eat healthier.
b [no obj] : to appear in print or on television
▪ Many of his stories ran in national magazines. ▪ The show has run for five seasons. 22 [+ obj] : to produce (a copy of a document, newspaper, etc.) using a printer or copying machine
▪ 10,000 copies were run for the first edition. — see also run off (below) 23 a [+ obj] : to have (particular words) in writing or print
▪ “We Will Not Lose” ran the headline. [=the headline was/said “We Will Not Lose”]
b [no obj] : to be expressed in words
▪ The definition runs as follows … 24 [+ obj] : to drive past or through (a stop sign or red traffic light) illegally without stopping
▪ He ran a red light. = He ran the light. ▪ She ran the stop sign. 25 [no obj] US, of stockings : to start to have a long hole that continues to get longer
▪ The nylons are guaranteed not to run. [=(Brit) ladder] 26 [+ obj] chiefly Brit : to own and maintain (a vehicle)
▪ I can't afford to run a car on my salary.
▪ How fast can you run? ▪ He runs faster than anyone else on the team. ▪ She ran up the stairs to get her jacket. ▪ We ran for the train—but missed it. ▪ I heard her scream and ran to help. ▪ She ran to me for help. ▪ The dog ran away from me. ▪ The dog ran toward me. ▪ When I called the dog, he came running. ▪ Don't expect me to come running every time you want something. I'm not your servant. ▪ The chickens were running loose in the yard. ▪ The horses ran wild. ▪ He ran at me with a knife. [=he ran toward me with a knife in his hand] — often used figuratively ▪ He ran back to his ex-girlfriend after I dumped him. ▪ You can't keep running away from your problems. ▪ Don't come running to me when you get in trouble. ▪ Don't let your imagination run wild. I'm sure nothing bad has happened.
b : to leave a place quickly by running
▪ When the alarm sounded, the robbers ran. ▪ He dropped the gun and ran. ▪ Quick! Run and get a doctor! ▪ The ambushed soldiers ran for cover. ▪ They had the enemy running scared. — often + away ▪ When she saw all the people in the audience, she had a sudden urge to run away. ▪ They ran away screaming. — often + off ▪ When they saw the police, they quickly ran off.
b American football : to carry and run with (the ball) [+ obj] ▪ He ran the football for a 20-yard gain. ▪ He ran the kick back to the 40-yard line. [no obj] ▪ He ran for 15 yards.
c baseball : to run from base to base [no obj] ▪ He runs well and might attempt a steal. [+ obj] ▪ He runs the bases well.
▪ He ran the horse through the fields.
▪ She runs [=manages] the restaurant/hotel/store. ▪ He runs the after-school program. ▪ The President is doing a good job running the country. ▪ The company is badly/privately run. ▪ state/family-run companies ▪ I'm old enough to run my own life! [=make my own decisions]
b : to do (a test or check) on someone or something
▪ The doctors need to run some more tests. — often + on ▪ The doctors ran some tests on the blood samples. ▪ The police ran a security check on him.
▪ I'm not licensed to run [=operate] a forklift.
b [+ obj] : to put (something) into operation
▪ You should run the engine for a few minutes before you start driving. ▪ He ran the program (on the computer).
c [no obj] : to function or operate
▪ Never leave your car unattended while the engine is running. ▪ He didn't know the camera was still running. ▪ He had his new computer up and running in no time. — often + on ▪ This software runs on most computers. ▪ The car runs on [=uses] diesel.
▪ The bus/ferry runs every hour. ▪ The train runs between New York and Washington. ▪ Trains no longer run on this track. ▪ The buses are running late. [=the buses are late]
b [+ obj] : to have (a bus, train, ferry, etc.) traveling on a route
▪ They run extra trains on Saturdays.
▪ She ran (up/down) to the store for bread and milk. ▪ He ran over to the neighbors for some sugar.
b [+ obj] : to drive (someone) a short distance to a place or event
▪ I have to run the kids to soccer practice.
c always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to bring (something) quickly to someone who is at a particular place
▪ Wait here. I'm just going to run this in/inside to her. ▪ He ran an umbrella out to her before she drove off.
d [+ obj] : to do (something that involves making a quick trip) : to do (an errand)
▪ I have a few errands to run after I leave work today.
▪ That car tried to run me off the road! ▪ She ran her car off the road. ▪ He ran the car into a tree.
b [no obj] of a driver or vehicle : to move in a particular direction
▪ His car ran off the road. = He ran off the road. — see also run into (below), run over (below)
▪ She ran her fingers through my hair. ▪ He ran a brush over the dog's fur. ▪ I quickly ran my eyes over/down the list of names.
b [no obj] : to travel or spread in a fast or uncontrolled way
▪ Whispers ran through the crowd. ▪ A chill ran up/down my spine.
▪ The boundary line runs east. ▪ The road runs through the mountain. ▪ The highway runs from Boston to New York. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ My tastes in novels run to/toward science fiction and thrillers. [=I tend to like science fiction and thrillers] ▪ Such behavior runs counter to [=such behavior does not agree with] the values of our society. ▪ He does nothing that would run against [=go against] his moral principles.
b — used to describe the position of a road, path, etc. ▪ The highway runs close to the shore. ▪ The route runs the length of the eastern coast. ▪ A path runs along the ridge. ▪ The pipes run beneath the floor. ▪ There was a scratch running down the side of the car.
▪ He ran the wires up from the basement.
▪ He was arrested for running [=smuggling] drugs into the country.
▪ He left the water running. : to flow in a particular direction ▪ The river runs down to the valley. ▪ The river runs into the gulf. ▪ The tide was running out. ▪ Sand ran out of the bag. ▪ Steam runs through the pipes. ▪ Blood was running down his leg.
b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to flow or to produce a flow of water
▪ She ran the tap/faucet. ▪ Run the water until it gets hot.
c [+ obj] : to prepare (a bath) by running a faucet
▪ She ran a hot bath for her husband. = She ran her husband a hot bath.
▪ Chopping the onions made my eyes run. [=water] ▪ I knew I was getting sick when my nose started to run. ▪ a running sore
b : to spread or flow into another area
▪ Your eyeliner is running. ▪ Mascara ran from her eyes. ▪ The paint ran in some spots. ▪ The writing was blurred where the ink ran.
c : to have a color that spreads onto other pieces of clothing when clothes are washed together
▪ Her red shirt ran and made my blue jeans look purple. ▪ colors that run
▪ His contract runs until next season. ▪ She received six months on each charge, and the sentences are to run concurrently. ▪ The course runs over a six-week period of time. ▪ The televised game ran 30 minutes over the scheduled time. ▪ The play has run for six months. ▪ Things ran smoothly at the office while the boss was away.
▪ The well has run dry. ▪ Her creativity has run dry. ▪ We are running low on fuel. [=our supply of fuel is getting low] ▪ Supplies were running low/short. ▪ We ran short of money. [=we did not have enough money] ▪ I have to hurry. I'm running late. [=I'm late; I'm behind schedule] ▪ The project is running behind schedule.
▪ The prices for tickets run from $10 to $50.
▪ He ran a tab at the bar.
▪ The rooms run [=cost] $100 a night.
b [no obj] : to have or reach a particular length, size, or amount
▪ The book runs (to) nearly 500 pages. ▪ Their annual budget runs to about 5 million dollars. ▪ Their yearly income runs into/to six figures. [=their yearly income is more than $100,000] ▪ Gas is running at over $4 per gallon. [=gas prices are over $4 per gallon]
▪ Every newspaper in the city ran the story. ▪ The ad was run in yesterday's newspaper. ▪ The news station ran a feature on how to eat healthier.
b [no obj] : to appear in print or on television
▪ Many of his stories ran in national magazines. ▪ The show has run for five seasons.
▪ 10,000 copies were run for the first edition. — see also run off (below)
▪ “We Will Not Lose” ran the headline. [=the headline was/said “We Will Not Lose”]
b [no obj] : to be expressed in words
▪ The definition runs as follows …
▪ He ran a red light. = He ran the light. ▪ She ran the stop sign.
▪ The nylons are guaranteed not to run. [=(Brit) ladder]
▪ I can't afford to run a car on my salary.
run across [phrasal verb]
run across (someone or something) : to meet (someone) or find (something) by chance
▪ I ran across [=ran into] an old roommate of mine today. ▪ I ran across some old photos from when I was a kid.
▪ I ran across [=ran into] an old roommate of mine today. ▪ I ran across some old photos from when I was a kid.
run a fever/temperature
◊If you are running a fever/temperature, you have a body temperature that is higher than normal.
run after [phrasal verb] 1 run after (someone or something) : to run toward (someone or something) in an attempt to catch that person or thing
▪ The dog ran after [=chased] the squirrel. 2 run after (someone) informal + disapproving : to try to start a romantic relationship with (someone)
▪ He's always running after younger women.
▪ The dog ran after [=chased] the squirrel.
▪ He's always running after younger women.
run along
[phrasal verb] informal + somewhat old-fashioned : to go away : leave
▪ He told the boy to run along home. ▪ Run along now, kid. This doesn't concern you.
▪ He told the boy to run along home. ▪ Run along now, kid. This doesn't concern you.
run around or chiefly Brit run about or run round [phrasal verb] 1 : to run in an area while playing
▪ The children were running around outside. 2 informal : to go from place to place in a busy or hurried way
▪ I spent the whole day running around doing errands. 3 run around/about/round with (someone) informal + disapproving : to spend a lot of time with (someone)
▪ He runs around with younger women.
▪ The children were running around outside.
▪ I spent the whole day running around doing errands.
▪ He runs around with younger women.
run away [phrasal verb] 1 : to leave your home suddenly without permission and go somewhere else to live
▪ He ran away (from home) at a young age. ▪ They ran away [=ran off] together because their families objected to their marriage. — see also runaway 2 : to avoid a person or situation that makes you feel uncomfortable
▪ You shouldn't keep running away. You should face your mom and tell her how you feel. 3 a run away with (someone) disapproving : to leave a person or place in order to live with and have a sexual relationship with (someone)
▪ He left his wife and ran away with [=ran off with] his secretary. ▪ She ran away with a man old enough to be her father.
b run away with (something) : to leave a place with (something that does not belong to you)
▪ The butler ran away with [=stole, ran off with] the family silver. 4 run away with (something) informal a : to be the best or most popular performer in (a performance)
▪ She ran away with [=stole] the show.
b : to win (something) very easily
▪ She ran away with the election. ▪ He ran away with first place. 5 run away with (someone) : to make (someone) do something that is not sensible or reasonable
▪ Don't let your imagination run away with you. [=don't let yourself imagine all kinds of things that aren't true] — see also 1run 1b (above)
▪ He ran away (from home) at a young age. ▪ They ran away [=ran off] together because their families objected to their marriage. — see also runaway
▪ You shouldn't keep running away. You should face your mom and tell her how you feel.
▪ He left his wife and ran away with [=ran off with] his secretary. ▪ She ran away with a man old enough to be her father.
b run away with (something) : to leave a place with (something that does not belong to you)
▪ The butler ran away with [=stole, ran off with] the family silver.
▪ She ran away with [=stole] the show.
b : to win (something) very easily
▪ She ran away with the election. ▪ He ran away with first place.
▪ Don't let your imagination run away with you. [=don't let yourself imagine all kinds of things that aren't true] — see also 1run 1b (above)
run by/past [phrasal verb]
run (something) by/past (someone) : to tell (something) to (someone) so that it can be considered, approved, etc.
▪ You'd better run this past the boss. [=you'd better tell the boss about this and find out if he/she thinks it is a good idea] ▪ He ran some ideas by her. ▪ (informal) Can you run that by me again? [=can you repeat what you just said?]
▪ You'd better run this past the boss. [=you'd better tell the boss about this and find out if he/she thinks it is a good idea] ▪ He ran some ideas by her. ▪ (informal) Can you run that by me again? [=can you repeat what you just said?]
run down [phrasal verb] 1 run (someone or something) down or run down (someone or something) : to hit and knock down (a person or animal) with a vehicle
▪ He says she deliberately tried to run him down. 2 a run (someone or something) down or run down (someone or something) : to chase after and catch (a person or animal)
▪ The cops ran the robber down in an alley.
b : to find (someone or something) after searching
▪ He wasn't in his office, but I finally ran him down in the faculty lounge. 3 run down or run down (something) or run (something) down a : to use up or cause (something) to use up all of its power
▪ The clock ran down. [=the clock slowed down and stopped working because it did not have any more power] ▪ The watch's battery ran down. ▪ Turn off the radio so you don't run down the batteries.
b Brit : to become or cause (something, such as a business or activity) to become gradually smaller
▪ The company has been running down for decades. ▪ The company has been running down its factories/inventory. 4 run (someone or something) down or run down (someone or something) informal : to criticize (someone or something) in usually an unfair way
▪ Don't keep running yourself down like that: you have a lot to offer! 5 run down (something) : to say or repeat (a list of people or things) from the beginning to the end
▪ Let me just run down all the things we need to do. ▪ He ran down the list of names. — see also rundown
▪ He says she deliberately tried to run him down.
▪ The cops ran the robber down in an alley.
b : to find (someone or something) after searching
▪ He wasn't in his office, but I finally ran him down in the faculty lounge.
▪ The clock ran down. [=the clock slowed down and stopped working because it did not have any more power] ▪ The watch's battery ran down. ▪ Turn off the radio so you don't run down the batteries.
b Brit : to become or cause (something, such as a business or activity) to become gradually smaller
▪ The company has been running down for decades. ▪ The company has been running down its factories/inventory.
▪ Don't keep running yourself down like that: you have a lot to offer!
▪ Let me just run down all the things we need to do. ▪ He ran down the list of names. — see also rundown
run for it
informal : to run to avoid being caught
▪ It's the cops! Run for it!
▪ It's the cops! Run for it!
run high
: to be or become very strong or intense
▪ Passions often run high in these debates. [=people often get very angry in these debates] ▪ Emotions are running high between the two teams.
▪ Passions often run high in these debates. [=people often get very angry in these debates] ▪ Emotions are running high between the two teams.
run in [phrasal verb] 1 run (someone) in or run in (someone) informal + somewhat old-fashioned : to arrest (someone)
▪ The police ran him in for being drunk and disorderly. 2 run (something) in or run in (something) Brit : to drive (a new vehicle) carefully for a period of time until it is ready for regular use
▪ You shouldn't drive a new car too fast while you're running it in. [=breaking it in]
▪ The police ran him in for being drunk and disorderly.
▪ You shouldn't drive a new car too fast while you're running it in. [=breaking it in]
run into [phrasal verb] 1 run into (someone or something) : to move into (someone or something) in a sudden or forceful way
▪ He went off the road and ran into a tree. = His car went off the road and ran into a tree. ▪ Some guy on a bike almost ran into me! ▪ She wasn't paying attention and ran right into the table. 2 run into (someone) : to meet (someone) by chance
▪ I ran into [=ran across] an old classmate the other day. 3 run into (something) : to experience (something that is unpleasant or difficult) : encounter
▪ We ran into some bad weather on our way home. ▪ We ran into some problems setting up the computer.
▪ He went off the road and ran into a tree. = His car went off the road and ran into a tree. ▪ Some guy on a bike almost ran into me! ▪ She wasn't paying attention and ran right into the table.
▪ I ran into [=ran across] an old classmate the other day.
▪ We ran into some bad weather on our way home. ▪ We ran into some problems setting up the computer.
run its course
◊When something runs its course, it begins, continues for a time, and then ends.
▪ The disease usually runs its course in a few days.
▪ The disease usually runs its course in a few days.
run off [phrasal verb] 1 a : to leave or abandon a person or place
▪ Her husband ran off and left her with two small children to care for. — see also 1run 1b (above)
b run off with (someone or something) informal : to leave a place with (someone or something) : to run away with (someone or something)
▪ Her husband ran off with his secretary. ▪ She ran off with all the money. 2 run off (something) or run (something) off : to repeat or produce (something) quickly
▪ Would you please run off five copies of this letter? — see also 1run 22 (above) 3 run (someone or something) off or run off (someone or something) US : to force (a person or animal) off your land
▪ He ran us off his property.
▪ Her husband ran off and left her with two small children to care for. — see also 1run 1b (above)
b run off with (someone or something) informal : to leave a place with (someone or something) : to run away with (someone or something)
▪ Her husband ran off with his secretary. ▪ She ran off with all the money.
▪ Would you please run off five copies of this letter? — see also 1run 22 (above)
▪ He ran us off his property.
run on [phrasal verb] 1 : to talk about something for a long time
▪ He ran on (and on) about politics until everybody was bored. 2 : to keep going without being stopped or interrupted for a long period of time
▪ The meeting ran on for hours.
▪ He ran on (and on) about politics until everybody was bored.
▪ The meeting ran on for hours.
run out [phrasal verb] 1 a : to come to an end
▪ Time ran out [=expired] before we could tie the game. ▪ My contract will run out soon.
b : to become used up
▪ The gasoline ran out before we got to Denver. ▪ Our money finally ran out. [=our money was all used; we had no more money] 2 run (someone) out or run (someone) out of (something) old-fashioned : to force (someone) to leave a place
▪ An angry mob ran him out of town. 3 run out (something) or run (something) out baseball, of a batter : to run hard to first base after hitting (a batted ball)
▪ His manager got angry because he failed to run out a grounder. 4 run out or run out of (something) : to use up the available supply of (something)
▪ We're low on gas. We'd better stop before we run out. ▪ He ran out of space and had to put his address on the other side of the paper. ▪ You have to work faster. We're running out of time. 5 run out on (someone) informal : to leave (someone you should stay with) : to abandon or desert (someone)
▪ She ran out on her husband and children to be with a man old enough to be her father.
▪ Time ran out [=expired] before we could tie the game. ▪ My contract will run out soon.
b : to become used up
▪ The gasoline ran out before we got to Denver. ▪ Our money finally ran out. [=our money was all used; we had no more money]
▪ An angry mob ran him out of town.
▪ His manager got angry because he failed to run out a grounder.
▪ We're low on gas. We'd better stop before we run out. ▪ He ran out of space and had to put his address on the other side of the paper. ▪ You have to work faster. We're running out of time.
▪ She ran out on her husband and children to be with a man old enough to be her father.
run over [phrasal verb] 1 : to go beyond a limit
▪ The meeting ran over. [=the meeting was longer than it was expected or planned to be] 2 a : to flow over the top or edge of something : overflow
▪ The water was running over onto the floor.
b of a container : to have a liquid flow over its edge : overflow
▪ His cup ran over. 3 run over (someone or something) or run (someone or something) over a : to knock down and drive over or go over (someone or something)
▪ The dog was run over by a car. ▪ The running back ran over two defenders.
b : to read, repeat, or practice (something) quickly
▪ Let's run the lines over together one more time. ▪ Can you run over the instructions again?
▪ The meeting ran over. [=the meeting was longer than it was expected or planned to be]
▪ The water was running over onto the floor.
b of a container : to have a liquid flow over its edge : overflow
▪ His cup ran over.
▪ The dog was run over by a car. ▪ The running back ran over two defenders.
b : to read, repeat, or practice (something) quickly
▪ Let's run the lines over together one more time. ▪ Can you run over the instructions again?
run past — see run by (above)
run through [phrasal verb] 1 run through (something) a : to spend or use up (something) quickly : squander
▪ He ran through his winnings in a short time.
b run through (something) : to read, repeat, or practice (something) quickly
▪ Let's run through our lines one more time. ▪ He quickly ran through the dance routine. — see also run-through
c : to occur repeatedly in (something) or throughout (something)
▪ The song has been running through my head all morning. ▪ Thoughts and memories of home kept running through his mind. ▪ A note of despair runs through the narrative. 2 run (something) through (something) : to enter (information) into (a computer) for processing
▪ She ran his name through the police computer to see if he had any previous arrests. ▪ He ran the data through. 3 run (someone) through literary : to push a sword through (someone)
▪ He ran him through with his sword.
▪ He ran through his winnings in a short time.
b run through (something) : to read, repeat, or practice (something) quickly
▪ Let's run through our lines one more time. ▪ He quickly ran through the dance routine. — see also run-through
c : to occur repeatedly in (something) or throughout (something)
▪ The song has been running through my head all morning. ▪ Thoughts and memories of home kept running through his mind. ▪ A note of despair runs through the narrative.
▪ She ran his name through the police computer to see if he had any previous arrests. ▪ He ran the data through.
▪ He ran him through with his sword.
run up [phrasal verb] 1 run up (something) or run (something) up a : to raise (a flag) to the top of a flagpole
▪ To celebrate our victory, we ran up our flag.
b : to achieve (a large score or lead)
▪ Our team ran up a big lead in the first quarter. ▪ (US) She angrily accused the other coach of deliberately running up the score. [=continuing to try to score more points even though they are not needed to win a game]
c : to increase the amount of (something)
▪ These extras will run the bill up another $100.
d : to get (a large bill, debt, etc.) by buying many things without making payments — often + up ▪ She ran up a large phone bill. ▪ He ran up a lot of debt on his credit cards. 2 run up against (something) : to experience (something difficult) : encounter
▪ She has run up against a lot of opposition. ▪ He has run up against a bug in his computer program.
▪ To celebrate our victory, we ran up our flag.
b : to achieve (a large score or lead)
▪ Our team ran up a big lead in the first quarter. ▪ (US) She angrily accused the other coach of deliberately running up the score. [=continuing to try to score more points even though they are not needed to win a game]
c : to increase the amount of (something)
▪ These extras will run the bill up another $100.
d : to get (a large bill, debt, etc.) by buying many things without making payments — often + up ▪ She ran up a large phone bill. ▪ He ran up a lot of debt on his credit cards.
▪ She has run up against a lot of opposition. ▪ He has run up against a bug in his computer program.
run with [phrasal verb]
run with (something) informal : to use (something) in a very energetic, enthusiastic, and effective way
▪ He took the idea and ran with it.
▪ He took the idea and ran with it.
run your mouth
informal : to talk too much and in a foolish way
▪ He's always running his mouth about what a great athlete he is.
▪ He's always running his mouth about what a great athlete he is.
walk before you (can) run — see 1walk
