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run

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The definition of run is to move faster than walking, leave quickly, operate or smear.

(verb)

Competing the 100 meter dash is an example of run.
An example of run is to end a phone call in order to do another task.
Managing the production of a trade show is an example of run.
An example of run is mascara spreading down a woman's eyes after she's been crying.

See run in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb ran or Dialectalrun, run, running

to go by moving the legs rapidly, faster than in walking, and (in a two-legged animal) in such a way that for an instant both feet are off the ground
1. to go rapidly; move swiftly
2. to resort (to) for aid: always running to the police
to associate or consort (with)
to go, move, grow, etc. easily and freely, without hindrance or restraint
to go away rapidly; flee
to make a quick trip (up to, down to, over to, etc. a specified place) for a brief stay
1. to take part in a contest or race
2. ☆ to be a candidate in an election
to finish a contest or race in the specified position: to run last
to swim in migration, as upstream or inshore for spawning, etc.: said of fish
to go, as on a schedule; ply between two points: a bus that runs between Chicago and Detroit
to go or pass lightly and rapidly: his eyes ran over the page
to be current; circulate: a rumor running through the town
to climb or creep: said of plants: a vine running over the wall
to move continuously or incessantly: often used figuratively: his tongue ran on and on
to ravel lengthwise in a knitted fabric
to function or operate with or as with parts that revolve, slide, etc.: a machine that is running
to recur or return to the mind
to flow: a running stream
to melt and flow: the wax ran
1. to spread when put on a surface, as a liquid
2. to spread over or be diffused through cloth, etc. when moistened, as colors
3. to be subject to such spreading of color, as fabric
to be wet or covered with a flow: eyes running with tears
to give passage to a fluid; specif.,
1. to discharge pus, mucus, etc.
2. to leak, as a faucet
to elapse: the days ran into weeks
1. to appear in print, as in a newspaper
2. to appear or be presented continuously or in a continuing series: a play that ran for a year
1. to continue in effect or force: a law running for twenty years
2. to continue to occur; recur: talent runs in the family
to be characterized by having, producing, using, etc.: with to: their taste runs to exotic foods
1. to extend in or as in a continuous line: a fence running through the woods
2. to include so as to show variety: with from and to: a repertoire running from tragedy to comedy
to pass into a specified condition, situation, etc.: to run into trouble
to sail or float (aground, etc.): said of a ship
to be written, expressed, played, etc. in a specified way: the adage runs like this
to be or continue at a specified size, price, amount, etc.: apples running four to the pound
Naut. to sail with the wind coming from astern

Origin: altered (with vowel prob. infl. by pp.) < ME rinnen, rennen < ON & OE: ON rinna, to flow, run, renna, to cause to run (< Gmc *rannjan); OE rinnan, iornan: both < Gmc *renwo < IE base *er-, to set in motion, excite > raise, L origo, origin

transitive verb

to run along or follow (a specified course or route)
to travel over; cover by running, driving, etc.: horses ran the range
to do or perform by or as by running: to run a race
to subject oneself to (a risk); incur
☆
1. to get past or escape by going through: to run a blockade
2. to go past or through without making a required stop: to run a stop sign or a red light
to pursue or hunt (game, etc.)
to compete with in or as in a race; vie with
1. to enter (a horse, etc.) in a race
2. ☆ to put up or support as a candidate for election
1. to make run, move, operate, etc.
2. to cause to go between points, as on a schedule
3. to cause (a motor or engine) to idle for a while
4. to make (a stocking) run
to bring, lead, or force into a specified condition, situation, etc. by or as by running: to run oneself into debt
1. to carry or convey, as in a ship or vehicle; transport
2. to carry (taxable or outlawed goods) in or out illegally; smuggle
to drive, force, or thrust (an object) into, through, or against (something)
to make go, move, pass, flow, etc., esp. rapidly, in a specified way, direction, place, etc.: to run water into a glass
1. ☆ to be in charge of; manage: to run a household
2. ☆ to keep, feed, or graze (livestock)
3. to perform the steps of (an experiment, test, etc.)
4. to cause to undergo a test, procedure, process, etc.
to cost (an amount): boots that run $20
to mark, draw, or trace (lines, as on a map)
to extend, pass, or trace in a specified way or direction: to run a story back to its source
to undergo or be affected by (a fever, etc.)
to flow with, discharge, or pour forth: gutters running blood
to melt, fuse, or smelt (ore)
to cast or mold, as from molten metal; found
☆ to print; esp., to publish (an advertisement, story, etc.) in a newspaper or magazine
Billiards to complete successfully (a specified number of strokes, shots, etc.) in uninterrupted sequence
Bridge to lead consecutively the remaining cards of (an established suit)
Comput. to cause (a program, software, etc.) to operate or start operating
Golf to cause (a ball) to roll, esp. on a green

noun

an act or period of running or moving rapidly
1. a race for runners
2. a running pace; rapid gait
3. capacity for running
the distance covered or time spent in running
a trip; journey; esp.,
1. a single, customary, or regular trip, as of a train, ship, or plane
2. a quick trip, esp. for a brief stay
3. route (sense )
1. movement onward, progression, or trend: the run of events
2. a continuous course or period of a specified condition, action, etc.: a run of good luck
direction or course, as of the grain of wood, a vein of ore, etc.
a continuous course of performances, showings, etc.: a play that had a run of a year
a series of continued, sudden, or urgent requests or demands, as by customers for certain goods, or by bank depositors for their funds
a period of being in public demand or favor
a continuous series or sequence, as three or more cards in unbroken order in one suit
a continuous extent of something
a flow or rush of water, etc., as of the tide
a small, swift stream, as a brook or rivulet
1. a period during which some fluid flows readily
2. the amount of flow
3. Slang diarrhea: with the
1. a period of operation of a machine
2. the output during this period
1. a kind, sort, or class, as of goods
2. the ordinary, usual, or average kind or type
something in, on, or along which something else runs; specif.,
1. an inclined pathway or course: a ski run
2. a track, channel, trough, pipe, etc.
3. an enclosed area in which domestic animals or fowl can move about freely or feed: a chicken run
4. in Australia, a large grazing area or ranch
5. a well-defined trail or path made and used by animals: a buffalo run
freedom to use all the facilities or move freely in any part (of a place): to have the run of an estate
1. a number of animals in motion together
2. a large number of fish migrating together, as upstream or inshore for spawning
3. such migration of fish
☆ a ravel lengthwise in something knitted, as in hosiery
☆ Baseball a point scored whenever a base runner successfully touches all four bases in the proper order without being out
Billiards an uninterrupted sequence of successful strokes, shots, etc.
Cricket a scoring point, made by a successful running of both batsmen from one wicket to the other
Mil. the approach to the target made by an airplane in bombing, strafing, etc.
Comput. one execution of a program
Music a rapid succession of tones, as a roulade
Naut. the after part of a ship's bottom, from where it starts to curve up and in toward the stern

adjective

melted; made liquid
poured or molded while in a melted state: run metal
drained or extracted, as honey
having migrated and spawned: said of fish

See run in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb ran ran (răn), run run, run·ning, runs

verb, intransitive

a. To move swiftly on foot so that both feet leave the ground during each stride.
b. To move at a fast gallop. Used of a horse.
To retreat rapidly; flee: seized the money and ran.
a. To move without hindrance or restraint: dogs that always ran loose.
b. To go or move about from place to place; roam: I am always running about, looking for my glasses.
To migrate, especially to move in a shoal in order to spawn. Used of fish.
a. To move or go quickly; hurry: run for the police; ran for help.
b. To go when in trouble or distress: He is always running to his lawyer.
c. To make a short, quick trip or visit: ran next door to borrow a cup of sugar; ran down to the store.
a. To take part in a race or contest: ran in the marathon; athletes who run for the gold medal.
b. To compete in a race for elected office: ran for mayor.
c. To finish a race or contest in a specified position: ran second.
To move freely, on or as if on wheels: The car ran downhill. The drawer runs on small bearings.
To be in operation: The engine is running.
To go back and forth especially on a regular basis; ply: The ferry runs every hour.
Nautical To sail or steer before the wind or on an indicated course: run before a storm.
a. To flow, especially in a steady stream: Fresh water runs from the spring. Turn on the faucet and let the water run.
b. To emit pus, mucus, or serous fluid: Pollen makes my nose run.
c. To be wet or covered with a liquid: The street ran with blood. The mourners' eyes ran with tears.
To melt and flow: A hot flame will make the solder run.
To spread or dissolve, as dyes in fabric: Colorfast garments are not supposed to run.
To extend, stretch, or reach in a certain direction or to a particular point: This road runs to the next town.
To extend, spread, or climb as a result of growing: Ivy ran up the wall.
To spread rapidly: disease that ran rampant.
a. To be valid in a given area: The speed limit runs only to the town line.
b. To be present as a valid accompaniment: Fishing rights run with ownership of the land.
To unravel along a line: Her stocking ran.
To continue in effect or operation: a lease with one year to run.
To pass: Days ran into weeks.
21. To tend to persist or recur: Stinginess seems to run in that family.
22.
a. To accumulate or accrue: The interest runs from the first of the month.
b. To become payable.
23. To take a particular form, order, or expression: My reasoning runs thus. The report runs as follows.
24. To tend or incline: Their taste in art runs to the bizarre.
25. To occupy or exist in a certain range: The sizes run from small to large.
26. To be presented or performed for a continuous period of time: The play ran for six months.
27. To pass into a specified condition: We ran into debt.
28. Informal To leave; depart: Sorry, I have to run.

verb, transitive

a. To travel over on foot at a pace faster than a walk: ran the entire distance.
b. To cause (an animal) to move quickly or rapidly: We run our hunting dogs every morning.
To allow to move without restraint.
To do or accomplish by or as if by running: run errands.
To hunt or pursue; chase: dogs running deer.
To bring to a given condition by or as if by running: The toddlers ran me ragged.
To cause to move quickly: She ran her fingers along the keyboard.
a. To cause to compete in or as if in a race: He ran two horses in the Kentucky Derby.
b. To present or nominate for elective office: The party ran her for senator.
To cause to move or progress freely.
To cause to function; operate: run a machine.
To convey or transport: Run me into town. Run the garbage over to the dump.
Football To attempt to advance (the ball) by carrying it.
To submit for consideration or review: I'll run the idea by you before I write the proposal.
Nautical To cause to move on a course: We ran our boat into a cove.
a. To smuggle: run guns.
b. To evade and pass through: run a roadblock.
To pass over or through: run the rapids.
To cause to flow: run water into a tub.
To stream with: The fountains ran champagne.
Metallurgy
a. To melt, fuse, or smelt (metal).
b. To mold or cast (molten metal): run gold into ingots.
To cause to extend or pass: run a rope between the poles.
To mark or trace on a surface: run a pencil line between two points.
21. To sew with a continuous line of stitches: run a seam.
22. To cause to unravel along a line: She ran her stocking on a splinter.
23.
a. To cause to crash or collide: ran the car into a fence.
b. To cause to penetrate: I ran a pin into my thumb.
24. To continue to present or perform: ran the film for a month.
25. To publish in a periodical: run an advertisement.
26. To subject oneself or be subjected to: run a risk.
27. To have as an ongoing financial obligation: run a deficit; run a tab.
28. Games
a. To score (balls or points) consecutively in billiards: run 15 balls.
b. To clear (the table) in pool by consecutive scores.
29. To conduct or perform: run an experiment.
30. Computer Science To process or execute (a program or instruction).
31. To control, manage, or direct: ran the campaign by himself; a bureau that runs espionage operations.

noun

a. A pace faster than a walk.
b. A fast gallop. Used of a horse.
An act of running.
a. A distance covered by or as if by running.
b. The time taken to cover such a distance: It is a two minutes' run from the subway.
A quick trip or visit: a run into town.
a. Sports A running race: the winner of the mile run.
b. A campaign for public office: She managed his successful senatorial run.
Abbr. R Baseball A point scored by advancing around the bases and reaching home plate safely.
Football A player's attempt to carry the ball past or through the opposing team, usually for a specified distance: a 30-yard run.
a. The migration of fish, especially in order to spawn.
b. A group or school of fish ascending a river in order to spawn.
Unrestricted freedom or use: I had the run of the library.
A stretch or period of riding, as in a race or to the hounds.
a. A track or slope along or down which something can travel: a logging run.
b. Sports A particular type of passage down a hill or across country experienced by an athlete, especially a skier or bobsledder: had two very good runs before the end of the day.
Sports The distance a golf ball rolls after hitting the ground.
a. A scheduled or regular route.
b. The territory of a news reporter.
a. A continuous period of operation, especially of a machine or factory.
b. The production achieved during such a period: a press run of 15,000 copies.
a. A movement or flow.
b. The duration of such a flow.
c. The amount of such a flow.
A pipe or channel through which something flows.
Eastern Lower Northern U.S. See creek.
A fall or slide, as of sand or mud.
Continuous length or extent: a five-foot run of tubing.
Geology A vein or seam, as of ore or rock.
21. The direction, configuration, or lie: the run of the grain in leather.
22.
a. A trail or way made or frequented by animals.
b. An outdoor enclosure for domestic animals or poultry: a dog run; a turkey run.
23.
a. A length of torn or unraveled stitches in a knitted fabric.
b. A blemish caused by excessive paint flow.
24.
a. An unbroken series or sequence: a run of dry summers.
b. Games A continuous sequence of playing cards in one suit.
c. An unbroken sequence or period of performances or presentations, as in the theater.
d. A successful sequence of actions, such as well-played shots or victories in a sport.
e. Music A rapid sequence of notes; a roulade.
f. A series of unexpected and urgent demands, as by depositors or customers: a run on a bank.
25. A sustained state or condition: a run of good luck.
26. A trend or tendency: the run of events.
27. The average type, group, or category: The broad run of voters want the candidate to win.
28. Computer Science An execution of a specific program or instruction.
29. Nautical The immersed part of a ship's hull abaft of the middle body.
30. runs Slang Diarrhea. Often used with the.

adjective

Being in a melted or molten state: run butter; run gold.
Completely exhausted from running.

Phrasal Verbs: run across To find by chance; come upon. run after To pursue; chase. To seek the company or attention of for purposes of courting: He finally became tired of running after her. run against To encounter unexpectedly; run into. To work against; oppose: found public sentiment running against him. run along To go away; leave. run away To flee; escape. To leave one's home, especially to elope. To stampede. run down To stop because of lack of force or power: The alarm clock finally ran down. To make tired; cause to decline in vigor.

a. To collide with and knock down: a pedestrian who was run down by a speeding motorist.

b. Nautical To collide with and cause to sink.

To chase and capture: Detectives ran down the suspects. To trace the source of: The police ran down all possible leads in the case. To disparage: Don't run her down; she is very talented. To go over; review: run down a list once more. Baseball To put a runner out after trapping him or her between two bases. run in To insert or include as something extra: ran in an illustration next to the first paragraph. Printing To make a solid body of text without a paragraph or other break. Slang To take into legal custody. To pay a casual visit: We ran in for an hour. run into To meet or find by chance: ran into an old friend. To encounter (something): ran into trouble. To collide with. To amount to: His net worth runs into seven figures. run off To print, duplicate, or copy: ran off 200 copies of the report. To run away; elope. To flow off; drain away. To decide (a contest or competition) by a runoff. To force or drive off (trespassers, for example). run on To keep going; continue. To talk volubly, persistently, and usually inconsequentially: He is always running on about his tax problems. To continue a text without a formal break. run out To become used up; be exhausted: Our supplies finally ran out. To put out by force; compel to leave: We ran him out of town. To become void, especially through the passage of time or an omission: an insurance policy that had run out. run over To collide with, knock down, and often pass over: The car ran over a child. To read or review quickly: run over a speech before giving it. To flow over. To go beyond a limit: The meeting ran over by 30 minutes. run through To pierce: The soldier was run through by a bayonet. To use up quickly: She ran through all her money. To rehearse quickly: Let's run through the first act again. To go over the salient points or facts of: The crew ran through the preflight procedures. We ran through the witness's testimony before presenting it in court. run up To make or become greater or larger: ran up huge bills; run up the price of the company's stock. run with To keep company: runs with a wild crowd. To take as one's own; adopt: “[He] was determined to run with the idea and go public before it had been researched” (Betty Cuniberti).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English ernen, runnen

Origin: , from Old English rinnan, eornan, earnan

Origin: , and from Old Norse rinna; see rei- in Indo-European roots

Regional Note: Terms for “a small, fast-flowing stream” vary throughout the eastern United States especially. Speakers in the eastern part of the Lower North (including Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, and southern Pennsylvania) use the word run. Speakers in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, the Dutch settlement areas of New York State, may call such a stream a kill. Brook has come to be used throughout the Northeast. Southerners refer to a branch, and throughout the northern United States the term is crick, a variant of creek.

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