runaway

1 of 3

noun

run·​away ˈrə-nə-ˌwā 

1

: one that runs away from danger, duty, or restraint : fugitive

2

: the act of running away out of control

also : something (such as a horse) that is running out of control

3

: a one-sided or overwhelming victory

runaway

2 of 3

adjective

1

a

: running away : fugitive

b

: leaving to gain special advantages (such as lower wages) or avoid disadvantages (such as governmental or union restrictions)

runaway shipping firms

a runaway shop

2

: accomplished by elopement or during flight

3

: won by or having a long lead

a runaway success

also : extremely successful

a runaway bestseller

4

: subject to uncontrolled changes

runaway inflation

5

: being or operating out of control

a runaway oil well

a runaway nuclear reactor

run away

3 of 3

verb

ran away; run away; running away; runs away

intransitive verb

1

a

: to leave quickly in order to avoid or escape something

b

: to leave home

especially : elope

2

: to run out of control : stampede, bolt

3

: to gain a substantial lead : win by a large margin

see also run away with

Synonyms

Adjective

• abandoned
• intemperate
• rampant
• raw
• unbounded
• unbridled
• unchecked
• uncontrolled
• unhampered
• unhindered
• unrestrained

Verb

• abscond
• break out (of)
• clear out
• escape
• flee
• fly
• get out
• lam
• run off

Examples of runaway in a Sentence

Adjective

The play was a runaway success.

a region plagued by runaway suburban sprawl

Verb

ran away from an unhappy marriage

the child runs away from large dogs

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Punctures or thermal runaway (usually from over-charging) lead to chain reactions that create a lot of heat in lithium-ion batteries. —New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2024

Campbell’s easily could be even more of a runaway, as the Dolphins led the Texans 41-0 midway through the third quarter before taking the foot off the gas. —Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024

Adjective

The runaway success sold over a million copies, and an additional four million digital copies were distributed for free. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

The home's security cameras captured the chaos that ensued as the family sprang into action to retrieve the runaway dog. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Verb

In seven early weekend games — now much more common under the terms of the new EFL/Sky Sports broadcast deal — Daniel Farke’s side have won just once, with Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Preston North End the latest in a tricky run away from home. —Nancy Froston, The Athletic, 15 Dec. 2024

The scene in which Helen gives up her plan to run away in order to come and help Sam is really touching. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

runaway

1 of 3 noun

run·​away ˈrən-ə-ˌwā 

1

: a person who runs away : fugitive

2

: the act of running away out of control

also : something (as a horse) that is running out of control

runaway

2 of 3 adjective

1

: running away : fugitive

2

: being out of control

run away

3 of 3 verb

ˌrən-ə-ˈwā

1

: to leave in a hurry especially to escape from danger or confinement

2

: to leave home