end run

1 of 2

noun

1

: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end of the line

specifically : sweep sense 3e

2

: an evasive trick or maneuver

made an end run around the regulations

end-run

2 of 2

verb

ˈend-ˌrən 

end-ran; end-running; end-runs

transitive verb

: to avoid artfully

end-running the law

Examples of end run in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With the aid of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency team, Trump appears to be attempting an end run that could succeed where his past attempts failed: by simply terminating the consulting contract that the Department of Energy relies on to develop and enforce the rules. —Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2025

But some legal experts point to plausible strategies for attempting end runs around the 22nd Amendment under unusual scenarios. —Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 31 Mar. 2025

Verb

Otherwise, allowing states to use their federal authorities to regulate transportation by rail would simply end-run ICCTA, and conflict directly with the express intention of Congress to ensure uniform national regulation of rail transportation. —Glenn G. Lammi, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Large Chinese banks tightened transactions with Russia in response to sanctions pressures, but at the same time numerous Chinese cut-outs and smaller banks became involved in creating ways to end-run them. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for end run

• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun
• pashtun
• redone
• rerun
• shotgun
• someone

Kids Definition

end run

noun

: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end