run
(of people and some animals) to move along, faster than walking, by taking quick steps in which each foot is lifted before the next foot touches the ground
I can run a mile in five minutes.
Oxford Essential Dictionary
verb (runs, running, ran /, has run)
1 to move very quickly on your legs:
I was late, so I ran to the bus stop.
2 to control something and make it work:
Who runs the business?
3 to work:
The car had stopped but the engine was still running.
4 to go; to make a journey:
The buses don't run on Sundays.
5 to move something somewhere:
He ran his fingers through his hair.
6 to pass or go somewhere:
The road runs across the fields.
7 to flow:
The river runs into the North Sea.
run after somebody or something to try to catch a person or an animal same meaning chase:
The dog ran after a rabbit.
run away to go quickly away from a place same meaning escape:
She ran away from home when she was 14.
run into somebody to meet somebody by chance:
Guess who I ran into today?
run into somebody or something to crash into somebody or something:
The bus went out of control and ran into a line of people.
run out of something to have no more of something:
We've run out of coffee. Will you go and buy some?
run over somebody or something to hit a person or an animal with your car or other vehicle:
The dog was run over by a bus.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
run
I. run1 S1 W1 /rʌn/ BrE AmE verb (past tense ran /ræn/, past participle run, present participle running)
[Word Family: noun: ↑run, ↑rerun, ↑runner, ↑running, ↑overrun; verb: ↑run, ↑outrun, ↑overrun, ↑rerun; adjective: ↑running, ↑runny; adverb: ↑running]
[Language: Old English; Origin: rinnan]
1. MOVE QUICKLY USING YOUR LEGS
a) [intransitive] to move very quickly, by moving your legs more quickly than when you walk
run down/up/to/towards etc
I ran down the stairs as fast as I could.
He was running towards the door.
She turned and ran away.
The boys ran off into the crowd.
run to do something
Several people ran to help her when she fell.
The children came running out of the house.
Women ran screaming, with children in their arms.
Jane struggled free and ran for her life (=ran in order to avoid being killed).
Hurry! Run for it (=run as quickly as possible in order to escape)!
He picked up the child and ran like hell (=ran very quickly, especially in order to escape). not polite
b) [transitive] to run a particular distance:
Firefighters are to run 500km to raise money for a children’s charity.
He ran the length of the corridor.
2. RACE
a) [intransitive and transitive] to run in a race:
I’d never run a marathon before.
run in
Murray has said she will consider running in the 3000 metres.
b) [transitive usually passive] if a race is run at a particular time or in a particular place, it happens at that time or in that place:
The Derby will be run at 3 o'clock.
3. ORGANIZE/BE IN CHARGE OF [transitive] to organize or be in charge of an activity, business, organization, or country:
For a while, she ran a restaurant in Boston.
Many people don’t care who runs the country.
Courses are currently being run in London and Edinburgh.
Many people belong to a pension scheme run by their employers.
well/badly run
The hotel is well-run and extremely popular.
a state-run (=controlled by the government) television station
4. DO SOMETHING/GO SOMEWHERE QUICKLY [intransitive] to do something or go somewhere quickly:
Run and ask your mother where she’s put the keys.
run to
I need to run to the store for some more milk.
5. BUSES/TRAINS ETC
a) [intransitive] if a bus, train etc service runs, it takes people from one place to another at fixed times:
The buses don’t run on Sundays.
run to
The number 61 bus runs to the city centre.
b) [transitive] if a company or other organization runs a bus, train etc service, they make it operate:
They’re running special trains to and from the exhibition.
6. COMPUTERS
a) [intransitive] if a computer program runs, it operates
run on
The software will run on any PC.
b) [transitive] if you run a program, you make it operate:
The RS8 system runs both Unix and MPX-32.
7. MACHINE/ENGINE
a) [intransitive] if a machine or engine runs, it operates:
She got out of the car and left the engine running.
run on electricity/gas/petrol etc (=get its power from electricity etc)
Most cars run on unleaded fuel.
run off something (=use something for power)
It runs off batteries.
b) [transitive] if you run a machine or engine, you make it operate:
You shouldn’t keep the engine running when the car is standing still.
I often run the washing machine more than once a day.
8. TAPE
a) [intransitive usually progressive] if a tape is running, it is recording:
She didn’t realize the tape was running as she spoke.
b) [transitive] if you run a tape, you make it move backwards or forwards:
Run the tape back to the beginning.
9. NEWSPAPER/TELEVISION
a) [transitive] to print something in a newspaper or magazine, or broadcast something on television:
The company is running a series of advertisements in national newspapers.
A local TV station ran her story.
b) [intransitive] if a program runs on television, it is shown. If a story runs in a newspaper or magazine, it is printed:
The series ran for 20 episodes and was extremely popular.
Conan Doyle’s stories ran in ‘The Strand’ magazine.
10. FAST/OUT OF CONTROL [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to move too fast or in an uncontrolled way:
Her car ran off the road and into a tree.
The truck ran out of control and hit a house.
11. USE A VEHICLE [transitive] especially British English to own and use a vehicle:
I can’t afford to run a car.
A bicycle is relatively cheap to buy and run.
12. TAKE SOMEBODY IN YOUR CAR [transitive always + adverb/preposition] informal to take someone somewhere in your car SYN drive:
Shall I run you home?
run somebody to something
Let me run you to the station.
13. IN AN ELECTION [intransitive] especially American English to try to be elected in an election SYN stand British English
run for
Salinas is running for a second term as President.
an attempt to encourage more women to run for office
run against
Feinstein will win if she runs against Lungren.
14. SOMETHING LONG [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] if something long such as a road or wire runs in a particular direction, that is its position, or that is where you put it:
The road runs along a valley.
Developers want to run a road right through his farm.
Run the cables under the carpet.
The Sierra mountain range runs the length of the north west coast of Majorca.
15. MOVE SOMETHING ON A SURFACE [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move something lightly along a surface:
Charles ran his fingers through her hair.
Run the scanner over the bar codes.
16. FLOW [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to flow in a particular direction or place:
Tears started to run down her cheeks.
Water was running off the roof.
17. TAP [intransitive and transitive] if a ↑tap is running, water is coming out of it, or if you run a tap, you make water come out of it:
Did you leave the tap running?
He ran the tap until the water was really hot.
18. run a bath to fill a bath with water:
I could hear her running a bath upstairs.
run somebody a bath
Could you run me a nice hot bath while I finish my meal?
19. SB’S NOSE [intransitive] if someone’s nose is running, liquid is flowing out of it
20. OFFICIAL PAPERS [intransitive] if something runs for a particular length of time, it can officially be used for that time:
The contract runs for a year.
My car insurance only has another month to run.
21. PLAY/FILM [intransitive] to continue being performed regularly in one place:
The play ran for two years.
22. HAPPEN [intransitive] to happen in a particular way or at a particular time:
Andy kept things running smoothly (=happening in the way they should) while I was away.
He was given a further three month prison sentence to run concurrently.
The course runs over a three year period.
23. AMOUNT/PRICE [intransitive] to be at a particular level, amount, or price
run at
Inflation was running at 5%.
run to
The cost of repairing the damage could run to $5000.
24. STORY/ACCOUNT ETC [intransitive and transitive] if a story, discussion etc runs in a particular way, it has those particular words or events:
The story runs that someone offered Lynch a further $500.
‘President’s marriage really over’ ran the headline in a national newspaper.
25. run its course if something runs its course, it continues in the way you expect until it has finished:
Recession in the country has run its course and left an aftermath of uncertainty.
26. something will run and run British English if a subject, discussion, event etc will run and run, people will continue to be interested in it for a long time:
This is a story that will run and run.
27. THOUGHTS/FEELINGS [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if a feeling runs through you, or a thought runs through your mind, you feel it or think it quickly
run through/down
A feeling of excitement ran through her body as they touched.
The same thought kept running through his mind.
A cold shiver ran down my back.
I felt a sharp pain run down my leg.
28. run high if feelings run high, people are very angry, upset, excited etc:
Tension ran high and fights broke out among the crowd.
Feelings have been running high in the town, following the murder of a young girl.
29. run sb’s life informal to keep telling someone what they should do all the time, in a way that annoys them:
Don’t try to run my life!
30. run for cover
a) to run towards a place where you will be safe, especially to avoid bullets:
He was shot in the leg as he ran for cover.
b) to try to protect yourself from a bad situation or from being criticized:
His success at backing winning horses has had the bookmakers running for cover.
31. COLOUR IN CLOTHES [intransitive] if colour runs, it spreads from one piece of clothing or one area of cloth to another when the clothes are wet:
The T-shirt ran and made all my other clothes pink.
32. PAINT/INK [intransitive] if paint runs, it moves onto an area where you did not intend it to go
33. run a check/test/experiment etc to arrange for someone or something to be checked or tested
run a check/test/experiment etc on
Ask your doctor to run a test on your blood sugar levels.
34. HOLE IN CLOTHES [intransitive] if a hole in ↑tights or ↑stockings runs, it gets bigger in a straight line
35. run drugs/guns to bring drugs or guns into a country illegally in order to sell them ⇨ ↑drug runner, ↑gun-running
36. run in the family if something such as a quality, disease, or skill runs in the family, many people in that family have it:
Diabetes appears to run in families.
37. run a temperature/fever to have a body temperature that is higher than normal, because you are ill
38. run a mile informal to try very hard to avoid a particular situation or person because you do not want to deal with them:
If someone asked me to marry them, I’d probably run a mile.
39. run late/early/on time to arrive, go somewhere, or do something late, early, or at the right time:
I’m running late, so I’ll talk to you later.
If the train runs on time, we’ll be there by ten.
40. be running scared to feel worried because someone who you are competing against is becoming very successful or powerful:
The party are running scared.
41. come running
a) informal to react in a very eager way when someone asks or tells you to do something:
He thinks he’s only got to look at me and I’ll come running.
b) especially spoken to ask someone for help, advice, or sympathy when you have a problem
come running to
Well I warned you, so don’t come running to me when it all goes wrong!
42. run your eyes over/along etc something to look quickly at something:
He ran his eyes along the books on the shelf.
43. run before you can walk to try to do something difficult before you have learned the basic skills you need:
A lot of language students want to run before they can walk.
44. run a (red) light informal to drive quickly through a red TRAFFIC LIGHT instead of stopping
⇨ ↑running1, ⇨ cut and run at ↑cut1(38), ⇨ be/run/go counter to something at ↑counter3, ⇨ run deep at ↑deep2(4), ⇨ run dry at ↑dry1(4), ⇨ run low at ↑low1(4), ⇨ run somebody ragged at ↑ragged(5), ⇨ run rings around somebody at ↑ring1(8), ⇨ run riot at ↑riot1(2), ⇨ be running short at ↑short2(2), ⇨ run somebody/something to earth at ↑earth1(14), ⇨ run to fat at ↑fat2(6), ⇨ run somebody/something to ground at ↑ground1(19), ⇨ run to seed at ↑seed1(4), ⇨ run wild at ↑wild2(1), ⇨ be up and running at ↑up1(22)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ run to move very quickly, by moving your legs more quickly than when you walk: My five-year-old son runs everywhere. | I go running twice a week.
▪ jog to run quite slowly for exercise over a long distance: A few people were jogging in the park.
▪ race/dash to run somewhere as quickly as you can, especially because you have to do something urgently: He dashed across the road to the police station. | We raced to the bus stop and got there just in time.
▪ sprint to run as fast as you can for a short distance: I saw the runners sprinting past. | He sprinted up the stairs.
▪ tear to run very quickly and without really looking where you are going, because you are in a hurry: He tore down the street and around the corner.
▪ charge to run quickly and with a lot of energy, so that you might knock down anyone or anything that gets in your way: They all charged out of the school gates at 4 o'clock. | Dennis charged through the door into my office.
▪ take to your heels to start running away very quickly, especially to escape or because you are afraid: The men took to their heels as soon as they saw the police.
▪ leg it British English informal to run away very quickly, in order to escape from someone or something: I legged it before the cops came.
▪ lope especially literary to run easily with long steps – used especially about tall people with long legs: John loped across the street to meet me.
■ animals running
▪ trot to run fairly slowly, taking short steps – used especially about horses and dogs: A little dog was trotting behind her.
▪ gallop if a horse gallops, it runs very quickly: The horse galloped off across the field.
▪ bolt to suddenly run somewhere very fast, especially in order to escape: Suddenly a fox bolted out from beneath a hedge.
run across somebody/something phrasal verb
to meet someone or find something by chance:
I ran across him at a conference in Milan.
I ran across some old love letters while I was clearing out a cupboard.
run after somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to chase someone or something:
He ran after her, calling her name.
2. informal to try to start a sexual relationship with someone:
He’s always running after younger women.
3. spoken to do a lot of things for someone else as though you were their servant:
I can’t keep running after you all day!
run along phrasal verb spoken
used to tell a child to leave, or to tell someone that you must leave:
Run along now! I’ve got work to finish.
Oh, it’s late. I’d better be running along.
run around (also run round British English) phrasal verb
1. to run in an area while you are playing:
The children were running around in the garden.
2. informal to be very busy doing many small jobs:
Maria was running around trying to get the house tidy.
We were all running around like headless chickens (=trying to do a lot of things, in an anxious or disorganized way). ⇨ ↑runaround
run around after somebody phrasal verb informal
to do a lot of things for someone else as though you were their servant:
I’ve spent all day running around after the kids.
run around with somebody phrasal verb informal
to spend a lot of time with someone, especially someone that other people disapprove of:
He started running around with a gang of teenagers.
run away phrasal verb
1. to leave a place, especially secretly, in order to escape from someone or something
run away from
Toby ran away from home at the age of 14. ⇨ ↑runaway2
2. to try to avoid dealing with a problem or difficult situation
run away from
You can’t just run away from your responsibilities.
3. to secretly go away with someone in order to marry them or live with them:
They ran away together to get married.
run away with somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to secretly go away with someone in order to marry them or live with them – usually used to show disapproval:
His wife has run away with another man.
2. run away with you if your feelings, ideas etc run away with you, they start to control how you behave:
Don’t let your imagination run away with you!
3. your tongue runs away with you if your tongue runs away with you, you say something that you did not intend to say
4. run away with the idea/impression (that) spoken to think that something is true when it is not:
Don’t run away with the impression that he doesn’t care.
5. informal to win a competition or sports game very easily:
The Reds ran away with the championship.
run something by/past somebody phrasal verb
1. to tell someone something so that they can give you their opinion:
Let me run some figures by you.
I just wanted to run it past you and see what you thought.
2. run that by me again spoken used to ask someone to repeat what they have just said because you did not completely understand it
run down phrasal verb
1. run somebody/something ↔ down to drive into a person or animal and kill or injure them:
Their daughter was run down by a car.
2. run somebody/something ↔ down informal to criticize someone or something in a way that is unfair:
There’s a lot of good things about homeopathic treatment. I’m certainly not running it down.
3. if a clock, machine, ↑battery etc runs down, it has no more power and stops working
4. to make a company, organization etc gradually reduce in size, especially in order to close it in the future, or to gradually reduce in size
run something ↔ down
Many smaller local hospitals are being run down.
The business had been running down for a long time.
5. if a supply of something runs down, or if you run it down, there gradually becomes less of it:
Crude oil reserves are running down.
run something ↔ down
Electricity generating companies are running down stocks and cutting purchases.
6. run down something to read a list of people or things:
Let me just run down the list of people who’ve been invited.
7. run somebody/something down to find someone or something after searching for a long time:
I finally ran him down at his new office in Glendale. ⇨ ↑rundown, ↑run-down
run somebody/something ↔ in phrasal verb British English
1. to drive a new car slowly and carefully for a period of time so you do not damage its engine
2. old-fashioned if the police run a criminal in, they catch him or her
run into somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to start to experience a difficult or unpleasant situation:
He ran into criticism after remarks he made in a television interview.
run into trouble/problems/difficulties
The business ran into financial difficulties almost immediately.
2. run into hundreds/thousands etc to reach an amount of several hundred, several thousand etc:
The cost of repairing the damage could run into millions.
The list ran into hundreds of pages.
3. to hit someone or something with a vehicle SYN crash into:
He ran into the back of another car.
4. informal to meet someone by chance:
Guess who I ran into in town today! ⇨ run yourself into the ground at ↑ground1(13)
run off phrasal verb
1. to leave a place or person in a way that people disapprove of:
Amy’s husband had run off and left her with two children to bring up.
2. run something ↔ off to quickly print several copies of something:
I’ll run off a few more copies before the meeting.
3. run somebody off something to force someone to leave a place:
Someone tried to run me off the road.
Smith had run them off his property with a rifle.
4. run something ↔ off to write a speech, poem, piece of music etc quickly and easily:
He could run off a five-page essay in an hour.
5. run off at the mouth American English informal to talk too much
6. run something ↔ off to get rid of weight by running:
I’m trying to run off some of my excess fat!
run off with somebody/something phrasal verb informal
1. to secretly go away with someone in order to marry them or live with them – used to show disapproval:
Liz shocked us all by running off with a married man.
2. to steal something and go away:
a con-man who makes a habit of running off with people’s savings
run on phrasal verb
to continue happening for longer than expected or planned:
These things always run on longer than people imagine.
run out phrasal verb
1.
a) to use all of something and not have any more left:
I’ve got money you can borrow if you run out.
run out of
They ran out of money and had to abandon the project.
He’d run out of ideas.
b) if something is running out, there will soon be none left:
We must act now because time is running out.
My patience was running out.
His luck had run out (=there was none left).
2. if an agreement, official document etc runs out, the period for which it is legal or has an effect ends SYN expire:
My contract runs out in September.
3. run out of steam informal (also run out of gas American English) to have no more energy or no longer be interested in what you are doing:
The team seemed to have run out of gas.
4. run somebody out of town old-fashioned to force someone to leave a place, because they have done something wrong
5. run somebody ↔ out to end a player’s ↑innings in the game of ↑cricket by hitting the ↑stumps with the ball while they are running
run out on somebody phrasal verb
to leave someone when they are in a difficult situation – used to show disapproval:
He ran out on her when she became pregnant.
run over phrasal verb
1. run somebody/something ↔ over to hit someone or something with a vehicle, and drive over them:
He was run over and killed by a bus.
She got run over outside the school.
2. run over something to think about something:
Mark’s mind raced, running over all the possibilities.
3. run over something to explain or practise something quickly:
I’ll just run over the main points again.
4. run over (something) to continue happening for longer than planned:
The meeting ran over.
The talks have run over the 15 November deadline.
5. if a container runs over, there is so much liquid inside that some flows out SYN overflow
run something past somebody phrasal verb
to ↑run something ↑by someone
run round phrasal verb British English
to ↑run around
run through phrasal verb
1. run through something to repeat something in order to practise it or make sure it is correct:
Let’s run through the first scene again.
2. run through something to read, look at, or explain something quickly:
Briefly, she ran through details of the morning’s events.
3. run through something if a quality, feature etc runs through something, it is present in all of that thing:
This theme runs through the whole book.
4. run somebody through literary to push a sword completely through someone ⇨ ↑run-through
run to somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to reach a particular amount:
The cost of repairing the damage could run to $1 million.
The treaty ran to 248 pages.
2. [usually in negatives] British English to be or have enough money to pay for something:
Our budget won’t run to replacing all the computers.
3. to ask someone to help or protect you:
You can’t keep running to your parents every time you have a problem.
4. sb’s taste runs to something if someone’s taste runs to something, that is what they like:
His taste ran to action movies and thrillers.
run up something phrasal verb
1. run up a debt/bill etc to use so much of something, or borrow so much money, that you owe a lot of money:
She ran up an enormous phone bill.
2. to achieve a particular score or position in a game or competition:
He quickly ran up a big lead in the polls.
3. run something ↔ up to make something, especially clothes, very quickly:
She can run up a dress in an evening.
4. run something ↔ up to raise a flag on a pole
run up against something/somebody phrasal verb
to have to deal with unexpected problems or a difficult opponent:
The museum has run up against opposition to its proposals.
run with something phrasal verb
to be covered with a liquid that is flowing down:
His face was running with blood.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
run
run [run runs ran running] verb, noun [rʌn] [rʌn]
verb (running, ran [ræn] ; [ræn] run)
MOVE FAST ON FOOT
1. intransitive to move using your legs, going faster than when you walk
• Can you run as fast as Mike?
• They turned and ran when they saw us coming.
• She came running to meet us.
• I had to run to catch the bus.
• The dogs ran off as soon as we appeared.
• He ran home in tears to his mother. In spoken English run can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive, especially to tell somebody to hurry and do something
• Run and get your swimsuits, kids.
• I ran and knocked on the nearest door.
2. transitive ~ sth to travel a particular distance by running
• Who was the first person to run a mile in under four minutes?
see also mile
3. intransitive (sometimes go running) to run as a sport
• She used to run when she was at college.
• I often go running before work.
RACE
4. intransitive, transitive to take part in a race
• ~ (in sth) He will be running in the 100 metres tonight.
• There are only five horses running in the first race.
• ~ sth to run the marathon
• Holmes ran a fine race to take the gold medal.
see also runner (1)
5. transitive, often passive ~ sth to make a race take place
• The Derby will be run in spite of the bad weather.
HURRY
6. intransitive + adv./prep. to hurry from one place to another
• I've spent the whole day running around after the kids.
see also rat run
MANAGE
7. transitive ~ sth to be in charge of a business, etc
• to run a hotel/store/language school
• He has no idea how to run a business.
• Stop trying to run my life (= organize it) for me.
• The shareholders want more say in how the company is run.
• a badly run company
• state-run industries
see also running n. (2)
PROVIDE
8. transitive ~ sth to make a service, course of study, etc. available to people
Syn: organize
• The college runs summer courses for foreign students.
VEHICLE/MACHINE
9. transitive ~ sth (BrE) to own and use a vehicle or machine
• I can't afford to run a car on my salary.
10. intransitive, transitive to operate or function; to make sth do this
• Stan had the chainsaw running.
• (figurative) Her life had always run smoothly before.
• ~ on sth Our van runs on (= uses) diesel.
• ~ sth Could you run the engine for a moment?
BUSES/TRAINS
11. intransitive (+ adv./prep.) to travel on a particular route
• Buses to Oxford run every half-hour.
• Trains between London and Brighton run throughout the day.
• All the trains are running late (= are leaving later than planned).
12. transitive ~ sth (+ adv./prep.) to make buses, trains, etc. travel on a particular route
• They run extra trains during the rush hour.
DRIVE SB
13. transitive ~ sb + adv./prep. (informal) to drive sb to a place in a car
• Shall I run you home?
MOVE SOMEWHERE
14. intransitive + adv./prep. to move, especially quickly, in a particular direction
• The car ran off the road into a ditch.
• A shiver ran down my spine.
• The sledge ran smoothly over the frozen snow.
• The old tramlines are still there but now no trams run on them.
15. transitive ~ sth + adv./prep. to move sth in a particular direction
• She ran her fingers nervously through her hair.
• I ran my eyes over the page.
LEAD/STRETCH
16. intransitive, transitive to lead or stretch from one place to another; to make sth do this
• + adv./prep. He had a scar running down his left cheek.
• The road runs parallel to the river.
• ~ sth + adv./prep. We ran a cable from the lights to the stage.
CONTINUE FOR TIME
17. intransitive ~ (for sth) to continue for a particular period of time without stopping
• Her last musical ran for six months on Broadway.
• This debate will run and run!
18. intransitive ~ (for sth) to operate or be valid for a particular period of time
• The permit runs for three months.
• The lease on my house only has a year left to run.
HAPPEN
19. intransitive (usually used in the progressive tenses) to happen at the time mentioned
• + adv./prep. Programmes are running a few minutes behind schedule this evening.
• The murderer was given three life sentences, to run concurrently.
GUNS, DRUGS, ETC.
20. transitive ~ sth (+ adv./prep.) to bring or take sth into a country illegally and secretly
Syn: smuggle
• He used to run guns across the border.
see also runner
OF STORY/ARGUMENT
21. intransitive, transitive to have particular words, contents, etc
• Their argument ran something like this…
• + speech ‘Ten shot dead by gunmen,’ ran the newspaper headline.
LIQUID
22. intransitive + adv./prep. to flow
• The tears ran down her cheeks.
• Water was running all over the bathroom floor.
23. transitive to make liquid flow
• ~ sth (into sth) She ran hot water into the bucket.
• to run the hot tap (= to turn it so that water flows from it)
• ~ sth for sb I'll run a bath for you.
• ~ sb sth I'll run you a bath.
24. intransitive to send out a liquid
• Who left the tap running?
• Your nose is running (= mucus is flowing from it).
• The smoke makes my eyes run.
25. intransitive (usually used in the progressive tenses) ~ with sth to be covered with a liquid
• His face was running with sweat.
• The bathroom floor was running with water.
OF COLOUR
26. intransitive if the colour runs in a piece of clothing when it gets wet, it dissolves and may come out of the clothing into other things
• The colour ran and made all my underwear pink.
MELT
27. intransitive (of a solid substance) to melt
• The wax began to run.
see also runny
BE/BECOME
28. intransitive + adj. to become different in a particular way, especially a bad way
• The river ran dry (= stopped flowing) during the drought.
• Supplies are running low.
• We've run short of milk.
• You've got your rivals running scared.
29. intransitive ~ at sth to be at or near a particular level
• Inflation was running at 26%.
OF NEWSPAPER/MAGAZINE
30. transitive ~ sth to print and publish an item or a story
• On advice from their lawyers they decided not to run the story.
A TEST/CHECK
31. transitive ~ a test/check (on sth) to do a test/check on sth
• The doctors decided to run some more tests on the blood samples.
IN ELECTION
32. intransitive to be a candidate in an election for a political position, especially in the US
• Bush ran a second time in 2004.
• ~ for sb/sth to run for president
• ~ in sth to run in the election
compare stand v. (16)
OF TIGHTS/STOCKINGS
33. intransitive (NAmE) if tights or stockings run, a long thin hole appears in them
Syn: ladder
Rem: Most idioms containing run are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example run riot is at riot.
more at a close run thing at close2 adv., hit the ground running at hit v.
Word Origin:
Old English rinnan, irnan (verb), of Germanic origin, probably reinforced in Middle English by Old Norse rinna, renna. The current form with -u- in the present tense is first recorded in the 16th cent.
Thesaurus:
run verb
1. I, T
• He ran to catch the bus.
sprint • • tear • • charge • • jog • • bound • • pound • • trot • • gallop • • stampede • |written race •
run/sprint/charge/jog/bound/pound/trot/gallop/race towards sb/sth
run/sprint/charge/bound/pound/trot/gallop/race after sb/sth
run/sprint/tear/bound/pound/trot/gallop/race along (sth)
run/sprint/bound/race away
2. T
• She ran a small business for many years.
manage • • control • • be in charge • • be responsible for sb/sth • • administer • • direct •
run/manage/control a/an company/business/organization
run/manage/control/be in charge of/be responsible for/administer/direct a project
run/manage/be responsible for/administer a service
Run or manage? Managing a business, department, etc. means making decisions about how it should operate and organizing other employees. Run emphasizes organizing the necessary tasks.
3. T, I
• Could you run the engine for a moment?
• Stan had the chainsaw running.
operate • • control • |especially spoken work • • go • |formal function • • manipulate •
run/operate/control/work a machine
run/operate/control a/an engine/motor
run/operate machinery
run/operate/work/function efficiently/reliably/smoothly/normally
Run, operate or control? A person operates or runs a machine; machines are often controlled by the controls, such as a computer, knob or lever.
4. I
• The buses run every ten minutes.
go • • come • • travel •
run/go/come/travel from/to sth
5. I
• Tears ran down her cheeks.
flow • • pour • • stream • • gush • • circulate • • trickle • |written cascade •
run/flow/pour/stream/gush/trickle out of sth
run/flow/pour/stream/gush/cascade/trickle down (sth)
water runs/flows/pours/streams/gushes/circulates/trickles/cascades
blood runs/flows/pours/streams/gushes/circulates/trickles
Example Bank:
• He hopes to run for president in 2016.
• He just wanted to run away and hide.
• He ran headlong into an enemy patrol.
• He ran out of the house.
• He ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in New York.
• He was given two twelve-month sentences to run concurrently.
• In many respects his poetical development had run parallel to Wordsworth's.
• John can run very fast.
• Local buses run regularly to and from the school.
• Our car only runs on unleaded petrol.
• She ran quickly downstairs.
• She turned and ran blindly down the street.
• Stop trying to run my life for me.
• The engine was running very smoothly.
• The group is run independently of college authorities.
• The programme will be jointly run with NASA in the US.
• The railway line runs right past the house.
• The road and the canal run parallel to each other.
• The road runs alongside the canal.
• The school is jointly run with the local parish.
• The train was running late, as usual.
• The two experiments are run in parallel.
• Things ran very smoothly for a while.
• We soon had the sound system up and running.
• (in stories) Sharon ran as fast as her legs could carry her.
• Alan was running for a bus when he slipped on some ice.
• Billy turned the corner and ran headlong into Mrs Bradley.
• Don't run away! I only want to talk to you!
• He claimed that 95 per cent of trains run on time.
• He tried to run the restaurant himself, but soon got into financial difficulties.
• I like to go running in the mornings before work.
• I ran four miles today.
• I've spent the whole day running around after the kids.
• It is a small, privately run hotel.
• Our van runs on diesel.
• Quick— run for it!
• Run after her and tell her she's forgotten her bag.
• She ran quickly up the stairs.
• Terrified, he ran all the way home.
• The ball hit the hole and ran past.
• The boy went running off to get the ball.
• The buses run every thirty minutes.
• The college runs several English classes for adults.
• The course teaches some of the skills you need to set up and run a business.
• The office had never been so well run.
• The old tramlines are still there but no trams run on them now.
• The sledge ran smoothly over the snow.
• They ran a series of lectures on the subject.
• They've seen us! Run for your life!
• Try to run round the block a few times every morning.
• Volunteer counsellors run a 24-hour helpline.
• What applications were you running when the problem occurred?
• When does the London Underground stop running at night?
• Which operating system have you got running?
• Who is running the event?
• Your nose is running.
Idioms: come running ▪ common, general, ordinary, usual run ▪ give get the run of something ▪ give somebody a run for their money ▪ on the run ▪ run for it ▪ up and running
Derived: run across somebody ▪ run after somebody ▪ run along ▪ run around with somebody ▪ run at somebody ▪ run away ▪ run away from something ▪ run away with something ▪ run away with you ▪ run back over something ▪ run down ▪ run into somebody ▪ run into something ▪ run off ▪ run off with somebody ▪ run off with something ▪ run on ▪ run on something ▪ run out ▪ run out on somebody ▪ run over ▪ run over something ▪ run somebody down ▪ run somebody in ▪ run somebody out ▪ run somebody over ▪ run somebody through ▪ run something by somebody ▪ run something down ▪ run something in ▪ run something into somebody ▪ run something off ▪ run something past somebody ▪ run something up ▪ run through something ▪ run to something ▪ run up against something ▪ run with somebody ▪ run with something
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
run / rʌn / verb ( present participle running , past tense ran , past participle run ) (GO QUICKLY)
run
A1 [ I or T ] (of people and some animals) to move along, faster than walking, by taking quick steps in which each foot is lifted before the next foot touches the ground:
[ + to infinitive ] The children had to run to keep up with their father.
I can run a mile in five minutes.
The sheep ran away/off in fright.
A little girl ran up to (= came quickly beside) me, crying for her daddy.
Are you running against each other or against the clock?
The first two races will be run (off) (= will happen) in 20 minutes.
[ T ] If you run an animal in a race, you cause it to take part:
Thompson Stables are running three horses in the next race.
[ I + adv/prep ] to go quickly or in a hurry:
Would you run round to the post office and get me some stamps?
You don't put on weight when you spend all day running round after small children.
run for sth to run fast in order to get or avoid something:
I ran for the bus but it drove off.
run on the spot to move your legs as if running, while you stay in one place:
I run on the spot to warm up before I play football.
run / rʌn / verb [ I or T , usually + adv/prep ] ( present participle running , past tense ran , past participle run ) (TRAVEL)
B2 to (cause something to) travel, move, or continue in a particular way:
Trains are still running, despite the snow.
A bus runs (= goes on a particular route at particular times) three times a day into town.
Skis are waxed on the bottom so that they run smoothly over the snow.
The route/railway/road runs (= goes) across the border/ into Italy/ through the mountains.
A climbing rose bush runs (= grows) around the front door.
There's a beautiful cornice running around/round all the ceilings.
The film runs (= lasts) for two hours.
The show/course/film runs (= continues) for another week.
A magazine subscription usually only runs (= can be used) for one year.
Buses are running an hour late , because of an earlier accident.
The truck's brakes failed and it ran (= went) off the road.
Trains run on rails (= move along on top of them) .
Electricity is running through (= moving along within) this cable.
An angry muttering ran through (= went through) the crowd.
A shiver of fear ran through his (body).
She ran her finger along/down the page/list, looking for her name.
Could you run the tape/film/video back/forwards , please?
Could you possibly run me (= take me in your car) home/to the station?
He ran (= pushed) his fingers through his hair and looked up at me.
run / rʌn / verb ( present participle running , past tense ran , past participle run ) (OPERATE)
B2 [ I or T ] to (cause something to) operate:
Keep clear of the machines while they're running.
The government took desperate measures to keep the economy running.
Do you know how to run this sort of machinery?
The mechanic asked me to run the engine (= switch it on and allow it to work) for a minute.
They had the new computer system up and running (= working) within an hour.
We've run the computer program, but nothing happens.
We're running (= doing) an experiment.
B1 [ T ] to be in control of something:
He's been running a restaurant/his own company since he left school.
The local college runs (= provides) a course in self-defence.
a well-run/badly-run organization/business/course
run a tight ship to control a business or other organization firmly and effectively:
Ruth runs a tight ship and has no time for shirkers.
[ T ] If you run a car, you own one, drive it, and pay for the costs:
I can't afford to run a car.
[ T ] to organize the way you live or work:
Some people run their lives according to the movements of the stars.
run / rʌn / verb [ I or T ] ( present participle running , past tense ran , past participle run ) (FLOW)
B2 to (cause something to) flow, produce liquid, or (especially of colours in clothes) to come out or spread:
I can feel trickles of sweat running down my neck.
Don't cry, or your make-up will run (= become liquid and move down your face) .
The walls were running with damp.
The river runs (down) to/into the sea.
The hot tap is running cold (= producing cold water) !
I turned the tap on and ran some cold water on the burn.
[ + two objects ] I'll run you a hot bath (= fill a bath with water for you) .
My nose and eyes have been running all week because of hay fever.
I must have washed my dress at too high a temperature, because the colour has run.
If the first layer isn't dry before you add the next one, the colours will run into each other (= mix) .
figurative After twelve hours at her word processor, the words began to run into one another (= seem mixed together) .
run / rʌn / verb [ L only + adj ] ( present participle running , past tense ran , past participle run ) (BECOME)
to be or become:
Differences between the two sides run deep (= are serious) .
The river/reservoir/well ran dry (= its supply of water finished) .
Supplies are running low (= there's not much left) .
We're beginning to run short of money/Money is beginning to run short (= there's not much left) .
run / rʌn / verb [ I ] ( present participle running , past tense ran , past participle run ) (HOLE)
If tights (= thin clothing that covers the legs) run, a long, thin hole appears in them:
Oh no, my tights have run!
run / rʌn / verb ( present participle running , past tense ran , past participle run ) (SHOW)
C1 [ T ] to show something in a newspaper or magazine, on television, etc.:
All the newspapers ran (= printed) stories about the new peace talks.
Channel 4 is running a series on the unfairness of the legal system.
[ I ] Indian English If a film is running at a particular place, you can see it there:
What's running at the the Metro this week?
run / rʌn / verb [ I ] ( present participle running , past tense ran , past participle run ) (POLITICS)
to compete as a candidate in an election:
Mrs Thatcher wanted to run a fourth time.
He's going to run against Smith/ for president/ for re-election.
run / rʌn / verb [ T ] ( present participle running , past tense ran , past participle run ) (TAKE)
to take guns or drugs illegally from one place to another:
He was arrested for running drugs across the border into America.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
run
/rʌn/
(runs, running, ran)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
Note: The form 'run' is used in the present tense and is also the past participle of the verb.
1.
When you run, you move more quickly than when you walk, for example because you are in a hurry to get somewhere, or for exercise.
I excused myself and ran back to the telephone...
He ran the last block to the White House with two cases of gear...
Antonia ran to meet them.
VERB: V adv/prep, V n/amount, V
•
Run is also a noun.
After a six-mile run, Jackie returns home for a substantial breakfast.
N-COUNT: usu sing
2.
When someone runs in a race, they run in competition with other people.
...when I was running in the New York Marathon...
Phyllis Smith ran a controlled race to qualify in 51.32 sec.
VERB: V, V n
3.
When a horse runs in a race or when its owner runs it, it competes in a race.
The owner insisted on Cool Ground running in the Gold Cup...
If we have a wet spell, Cecil could also run Armiger in the Derby.
VERB: V, V n
4.
If you say that something long, such as a road, runs in a particular direction, you are describing its course or position. You can also say that something runs the length or width of something else.
...the sun-dappled trail which ran through the beech woods.
VERB: V prep/adv
5.
If you run a wire or tube somewhere, you fix it or pull it from, to, or across a particular place.
Our host ran a long extension cord out from the house and set up a screen and a projector.
VERB: V n prep/adv
6.
If you run your hand or an object through something, you move your hand or the object through it.
He laughed and ran his fingers through his hair...
VERB: V n prep
7.
If you run something through a machine, process, or series of tests, you make it go through the machine, process, or tests.
They have gathered the best statistics they can find and run them through their own computers.
VERB: V n through n
8.
If someone runs for office in an election, they take part as a candidate.
It was only last February that he announced he would run for president...
It is no easy job to run against John Glenn, Ohio’s Democratic senator...
Women are running in nearly all the contested seats in Los Angeles.
= stand
VERB: V for n, V against n, V
9.
A run for office is an attempt to be elected to office. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use bid)
He was already preparing his run for the presidency.
N-SING: N for n
10.
If you run something such as a business or an activity, you are in charge of it or you organize it.
His stepfather ran a prosperous paint business...
Is this any way to run a country?...
...a well-run, profitable organisation.
VERB: V n, V n, V-ed
11.
If you talk about how a system, an organization, or someone’s life is running, you are saying how well it is operating or progressing.
Officials in charge of the camps say the system is now running extremely smoothly.
...the staff who have kept the bank running.
VERB: usu cont, V adv, V
12.
If you run an experiment, computer program, or other process, or start it running, you start it and let it continue.
He ran a lot of tests and it turned out I had an infection called mycoplasma...
You can check your program one command at a time while it’s running.
VERB: V n, V
13.
When you run a cassette or video tape or when it runs, it moves through the machine as the machine operates.
He pushed the play button again and ran the tape...
The tape had run to the end but recorded nothing.
= play
VERB: V n, V
14.
When a machine is running or when you are running it, it is switched on and is working.
We told him to wait out front with the engine running.
...with everybody running their appliances all at the same time.
VERB: usu cont, V, V n
15.
A machine or equipment that runs on or off a particular source of energy functions using that source of energy.
Black cabs run on diesel...
VERB: V on/off n
16.
If you run a car or a piece of equipment, you have it and use it. (mainly BRIT)
I ran a 1960 Rover 100 from 1977 until 1983.
VERB: V n
17.
When you say that vehicles such as trains and buses run from one place to another, you mean they regularly travel along that route.
A shuttle bus runs frequently between the Inn and the Country Club.
...a government which can’t make the trains run on time.
VERB: V prep, V
18.
If you run someone somewhere in a car, you drive them there. (INFORMAL)
Could you run me up to Baltimore?
= drive
VERB: V n prep/adv
19.
If you run over or down to a place that is quite near, you drive there. (INFORMAL)
I’ll run over to Short Mountain and check on Mrs Adams.
= drive
VERB: V adv
20.
A run is a journey somewhere.
...doing the morning school run.
N-COUNT
21.
If a liquid runs in a particular direction, it flows in that direction.
Tears were running down her cheeks...
Wash the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
= flow
VERB: V prep/adv, V adj
22.
If you run water, or if you run a tap or a bath, you cause water to flow from a tap.
She went to the sink and ran water into her empty glass...
VERB: V n
23.
If a tap or a bath is running, water is coming out of a tap.
You must have left a tap running in the bathroom...
VERB: only cont, V
24.
If your nose is running, liquid is flowing out of it, usually because you have a cold.
Timothy was crying, mostly from exhaustion, and his nose was running.
VERB: usu cont, V
25.
If a surface is running with a liquid, that liquid is flowing down it.
After an hour he realised he was completely running with sweat...
VERB: usu cont, V with n
26.
If the dye in some cloth or the ink on some paper runs, it comes off or spreads when the cloth or paper gets wet.
The ink had run on the wet paper.
VERB: V
27.
If a feeling runs through your body or a thought runs through your mind, you experience it or think it quickly.
She felt a surge of excitement run through her...
= go
VERB: V through n
28.
If a feeling or noise runs through a group of people, it spreads among them.
A buzz of excitement ran through the crowd.
= go
VERB: V through n
29.
If a theme or feature runs through something such as someone’s actions or writing, it is present in all of it.
Another thread running through this series is the role of doctors in the treatment of the mentally ill...
There was something of this mood running throughout the Congress’s deliberations.
VERB: V through n, V throughout n
30.
When newspapers or magazines run a particular item or story or if it runs, it is published or printed.
The newspaper ran a series of four editorials entitled ‘The Choice of Our Lives.’
...an editorial that ran this weekend entitled ‘Mr. Cuomo Backs Out.’
VERB: V n, V
31.
If an amount is running at a particular level, it is at that level.
Today’s RPI figure shows inflation running at 10.9 per cent...
= stand
VERB: V at n
32.
If a play, event, or legal contract runs for a particular period of time, it lasts for that period of time.
It pleased critics but ran for only three years in the West End...
The contract was to run from 1992 to 2020...
I predict it will run and run.
VERB: V for amount, V prep, V
33.
If someone or something is running late, they have taken more time than had been planned. If they are running to time or ahead of time, they have taken the time planned or less than the time planned.
Tell her I’ll call her back later, I’m running late again...
VERB: usu cont, V adv/prep
34.
If you are running a temperature or a fever, you have a high temperature because you are ill.
The little girl is running a fever and she needs help.
VERB: V n
35.
A run of a play or television programme is the period of time during which performances are given or programmes are shown.
The show will transfer to the West End on October 9, after a month’s run in Birmingham...
N-COUNT: with supp
36.
A run of successes or failures is a series of successes or failures.
The England skipper is haunted by a run of low scores...
N-SING: usu N of n
37.
A run of a product is the amount that a company or factory decides to produce at one time.
Wayne plans to increase the print run to 1,000...
N-COUNT: usu supp N
38.
In cricket or baseball, a run is a score of one, which is made by players running between marked places on the field after hitting the ball.
At 20 he became the youngest player to score 2,000 runs in a season.
N-COUNT
39.
If someone gives you the run of a place, they give you permission to go where you like in it and use it as you wish.
He had the run of the house and the pool.
N-SING: the N of n
40.
If there is a run on something, a lot of people want to buy it or get it at the same time.
A run on sterling has killed off hopes of a rate cut...
N-SING: N on n
41.
A ski run or bobsleigh run is a course or route that has been designed for skiing or for riding in a bobsleigh.
N-COUNT: usu n N
42.
see also running, dummy run, test run, trial run
43.
If something happens against the run of play or against the run of events, it is different from what is generally happening in a game or situation. (BRIT)
The decisive goal arrived against the run of play...
PHRASE
44.
If you run someone close, run them a close second, or run a close second, you almost beat them in a race or competition.
The Under-21 team has defeated Wales and Scotland this season, and ran England very close...
PHRASE: V inflects
45.
If a river or well runs dry, it no longer has any water in it. If an oil well runs dry, it no longer produces any oil.
Streams had run dry for the first time in memory.
= dry up
PHRASE: V inflects
46.
If a source of information or money runs dry, no more information or money can be obtained from it.
Three days into production, the kitty had run dry.
= dry up
PHRASE: V inflects
47.
If a characteristic runs in someone’s family, it often occurs in members of that family, in different generations.
The insanity which ran in his family haunted him.
PHRASE: V inflects
48.
If you make a run for it or if you run for it, you run away in order to escape from someone or something.
A helicopter hovered overhead as one of the gang made a run for it...
PHRASE: V inflects
49.
If people’s feelings are running high, they are very angry, concerned, or excited.
Feelings there have been running high in the wake of last week’s killing.
PHRASE: V inflects
50.
If you talk about what will happen in the long run, you are saying what you think will happen over a long period of time in the future. If you talk about what will happen in the short run, you are saying what you think will happen in the near future.
Sometimes expensive drugs or other treatments can be economical in the long run...
In fact, things could get worse in the short run.
PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR with v
51.
If you say that someone would run a mile if faced with something, you mean that they are very frightened of it and would try to avoid it.
Yasmin admits she would run a mile if Mark asked her out.
PHRASE: V inflects
52.
If you say that someone could give someone else a run for their money, you mean you think they are almost as good as the other person.
...a youngster who even now could give Meryl Streep a run for her money.
PHRASE: V inflects
53.
If someone is on the run, they are trying to escape or hide from someone such as the police or an enemy.
Fifteen-year-old Danny is on the run from a local authority home.
PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v
54.
If someone is on the run, they are being severely defeated in a contest or competition.
His opponents believe he is definitely on the run...
PHRASE: usu v-link PHR
55.
If you say that a person or group is running scared, you mean that they are frightened of what someone might do to them or what might happen.
The administration is running scared.
PHRASE: V inflects
56.
If you are running short of something or running low on something, you do not have much of it left. If a supply of something is running short or running low, there is not much of it left.
Government forces are running short of ammunition and fuel...
We are running low on drinking water...
PHRASE: V inflects
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1run /ˈrʌn/ verb runs; ran /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.
In addition to the phrases shown below, run occurs in many idioms that are shown at appropriate entries throughout the dictionary. For example, cut and run can be found at 1cut and run a tight ship can be found at 1ship.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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?]
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
run for it informal : to run to avoid being caught
• 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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
