Adjacent Words

Run definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

RUN, v.i. pret. ran or run; pp. run.
1. To move or pass in almost any manner, as on the feet or on wheels. Men and other animals run on their feet; carriages run on wheels, and wheels run on their axle-trees.
2. To move or pass on the feet with celerity or rapidity, by leaps or long quick steps; as, men and quadrupeds run when in haste.
3. To use the legs in moving; to step; as, children run alone or run about.
4. To move in a hurry.
The priest and people run about.
5. To proceed along the surface; to extend; to spread; as, the fire runs over a field or forest.
The fire ran along upon the ground. Exodus 9.
6. To rush with violence; as, a ship runs against a rock; or one ship runs against another.
7. To move or pass on the water; to sail; as, ships run regularly between New York and Liverpool. Before a storm, run into a harbor, or under the lee of the land. The ship has run ten knots an hour.
8. To contend in a race; as, men or horses run for a prize.
9. To flee for escape. When General Wolfe was dying, an officer standing by him exclaimed, see how they run. Who run? said the dying hero. The enemy, said the officer. Then I die happy, said the general.
10. To depart privately; to steal away.
My conscience will serve me to run from this Jew, my master.
11. To flow in any manner, slowly or rapidly; to move or pass; as a fluid. Rivers run to the ocean or to lakes. The Connecticut runs on sand, and its water is remarkably pure. The tide runs two or three miles an hour. Tears run down the cheeks.
12. To emit; to let flow.
I command that the conduit run nothing but claret.
Rivers run potable gold.
But this form of expression is elliptical, with being omitted; "rivers run with potable gold."
13. To be liquid or fluid.
As wax dissolves, as ice begin to run -
14. To be fusible; to melt.
Sussex iron ores run freely in the fire.
15. To fuse; to melt.
Your iron must not burn in the fire, that is, run or melt, for then it will be brittle.
16. To turn; as, a wheel runs on an axis or on a pivot.
17. To pass; to proceed; as, to run through a course of business; to run through life; to run in a circle or a line; to run through all degrees of promotion.
18. To flow, as words, language or periods. The lines run smoothly.
19. To pass, as time.
As fast as our time runs, we should be glad in most part of our lives that it ran much faster.
20. To have a legal course; to be attached to; to have legal effect.
Customs run only upon our goods imported or exported, and that but once for all; whereas interest runs as well upon our ships as goods, and must be yearly paid.
21. To have a course or direction.
Where the generally allowed practice runs counter to it.
Little is the wisdom, where the flight so runs against all reason.
22. To pass in thought, speech or practice; as, to run through a series of arguments; to run from one topic to another.
Virgil, in his first Georgic, has run into a set of precepts foreign to his subject.
23. To be mentioned cursorily or in few words.
The whole runs on short, like articles in an account.
24. To have a continued tenor or course. The conversation ran on the affairs of the Greeks.
The king's ordinary style runneth, "our sovereign lord the king."
25. To be in motion; to speak incessantly. Her tongue runs continually.
26. To be busied; to dwell.
When we desire any thing, our minds run wholly on the good circumstances of it; when it is obtained, our minds run wholly on the bad ones.
27. To be popularly known.
Men gave then their own names, by which they run a great while in Rome.
28. To be received; to have reception, success or continuance. The pamphlet runs well among a certain class of people.
29. To proceed in succession.
She saw with joy the line immortal run, each sire impress'd and glaring in his son.
30. To pass from one state or condition to another; as, to run into confusion or error; to run distracted.
31. To proceed in a train of conduct.
You should run a certain course.
32. To be in force.
The owner hath incurred the forfeiture of eight years profits of his lands, before he cometh to the knowledge of the process that runneth against him.
33. To be generally received.
He was not ignorant what report run of himself.
34. To be carried; to extend; to rise; as, debates run high.
In popish countries, the power of the clergy runs higher.
35. To have a track or course.
Searching the ulcer with my probe, the sinus run up above the orifice.
36. To extend; to lie in continued length. Veins of silver run in different directions.
37. To have a certain direction. The line runs east and west.
38. To pass in an orbit of any figure. The planets run their periodical courses. The comets do not run lawless through the regions of space.
39. To tend in growth or progress. Pride is apt to run into a contempt of others.
40. To grow exuberantly. Young persons of 10 or 12 years old, soon run up to men and women.
If the richness of the ground cause turnips to run to leaves, treading down the leaves will help their rooting.
41. To discharge pus or other matter; as, an ulcer runs.
42. To reach; to extend to the remembrance of; as time out of mind, the memory of which runneth not to the contrary.
43. To continue in time, before it becomes due and payable; as, a note runs thirty days; a note of six months has ninety days to run.
44. To continue in effect, force or operation.
The statute may be prevented from running - by the act of the creditor.
45. To press with numerous demands of payment; as, to run upon a bank.
46. To pass or fall into fault, vice or misfortune; as, to run into vice; to run into evil practices; to run into debt; to run into mistakes.
47. To fall or pass by gradual changes; to make a transition; as, colors run one into another.
48. To have a general tendency.
Temperate climates run into moderate governments.
49. To proceed as on a ground or principle. Obs.
50. To pass or proceed in conduct or management.
Tarquin, running into all the methods of tyranny, after a cruel reign was expelled.
51. To creep; to move by creeping or crawling; as, serpents run on the ground.
52. To slide; as, a sled or sleigh runs on the snow.
53. To dart; to shoot; as a meteor in the sky.
54. To fly; to move in the air; as, the clouds run from N.E. to S.W.
55. In Scripture, to pursue or practice the duties of religion.
Ye did run well; who did hinder you? Galatians 5.
56. In elections, to have interest or favor; to be supported by votes. The candidate will not run, or he will run well.
1. To run after, to pursue or follow.
2. To search for; to endeavor to find or obtain; as, to run after similes.
To run at, to attack with the horns, as a bull.
To run away, to flee; to escape.
1. To run away with, to hurry without deliberation.
2. To convey away; or to assist in escape or elopement.
To run in, to enter; to step in.
To run into, to enter; as, to run into danger.
To run in trust, to run in debt; to get credit. [Not in use.]
1. To run in with, to close; to comply; to agree with. [Unusual.]
2. To make towards; to near; to sail close to; as, to run in with the land; a seaman's phrase.
To run down a coast, to sail along it.
1. To run on, to be continued. Their accounts had run on for a year or two without a settlement.
2. To talk incessantly.
3. To continue a course.
4. To press with jokes or ridicule; to abuse with sarcasms; to bear hard on.
To run over, to overflow; as, a cup runs over; or the liquor runs over.
1. To run out, to come to an end; to expire; as, a lease runs out at Michaelmas.
2. To spread exuberantly; as, insectile animals run out into legs.
3. To expatiate; as, to run out into beautiful digressions. He runs out in praise of Milton.
4. To be wasted or exhausted; as, an estate managed without economy, will soon run out.
5. To become poor by extravagance.
And had her stock been less, no doubt she must have long ago run out.
To run up, to rise; to swell; to amount. Accounts of goods credited run up very fast.
RUN, v.t.
1. To drive or push; in a general sense. Hence to run a sword through the body, is to stab or pierce it.
2. To drive; to force.
A talkative person runs himself upon great inconveniences, by blabbing out his own or others' secrets.
Others accustomed to retired speculations, run natural philosophy into metaphysical notions.
3. To cause to be driven.
They ran the ship aground. Acts 27.
4. To melt; to fuse.
The purest gold must be run and washed.
5. To incur; to encounter; to run the risk or hazard of losing one's property. To run the danger, is a phrase not now in use.
6. To venture; to hazard.
He would himself be in the Highlands to receive them, and run his fortune with them.
7. To smuggle; to import or export without paying the duties required by law; as, to run goods.
8. To pursue in thought; to carry in contemplation; as, to run the world back to its first original.
I would gladly understand the formation of a soul, and run it up to its punctum saliens.
9. To push; to thrust; as, to run the hand into the pocket or the bosom; to run a nail into the foot.
10. To ascertain and mark by metes and bounds; as, to run a line between towns or states.
11. To cause to ply; to maintain in running or passing; as, to run a stage coach from London to Bristol; to run a line of packets from New Haven to New York.
12. To cause to pass; as, to run a rope through a block.
13. To found; to shape, form or make in a mold; to cast; as, to run buttons or balls.
1. To run down, in hunting, to chase to weariness; as, to run down a stag.
2. In navigation, to run down a vessel, is to run against her, end on, and sink her.
3. To crush; to overthrow; to overbear.
Religion is run down by the license of these times.
1. To run hard, to press with jokes, sarcasm or ridicule.
2. To urge or press importunately.
1. To run over, to recount in a cursory manner; to narrate hastily; as, to run over the particulars of a story.
2. To consider cursorily.
3. To pass the eye over hastily.
1. To run out, to thrust or push out; to extend.
2. To waste; to exhaust; as, to run out an estate.
To run through, to expend; to waste; as, to run through an estate.
1. To run up, to increase; to enlarge by additions. A man who takes goods on credit, is apt to run up his account to a large sum before he is aware of it.
2. To thrust up, as any thing long and slender.
RUN, n.
1. The act of running.
2. Course; motion; as the run of humor.
3. Flow; as a run of verses to please the ear.
4. Course; process; continued series; as the run of events.
5. Way; will; uncontrolled course.
Our family must have their run.
6. General reception; continued success.
It is impossible for detached papers to have a general run or long continuance, if not diversified with humor.
7. Modish or popular clamor; as a violent run against university education.
8. A general or uncommon pressure on a bank or treasury for payment of its notes.
9. The aftmost part of a ship's bottom.
10. The distance sailed by a ship; as, we had a good run.
11. A voyage; also, an agreement among sailors to work a passage from one place to another.
12. A pair of mill-stones. A mill has two, four or six runs of stones.
13. Prevalence; as, a disease, opinion or fashion has its run.
14. In the middle and southern states of America, a small stream; a brook.
In the long run, [at the long run, not so generally used,] signifies the whole process or course of things taken together; in the final result; in the conclusion or end.
The run of mankind, the generality of people.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely; "the Yankees scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th"; "their first tally came in the 3rd inning" [syn: run, tally]
2: the act of testing something; "in the experimental trials the amount of carbon was measured separately"; "he called each flip of the coin a new trial" [syn: test, trial, run]
3: a race run on foot; "she broke the record for the half-mile run" [syn: footrace, foot race, run]
4: an unbroken series of events; "had a streak of bad luck"; "Nicklaus had a run of birdies" [syn: streak, run]
5: (American football) a play in which a player attempts to carry the ball through or past the opposing team; "the defensive line braced to stop the run"; "the coach put great emphasis on running" [syn: run, running, running play, running game]
6: a regular trip; "the ship made its run in record time"
7: the act of running; traveling on foot at a fast pace; "he broke into a run"; "his daily run keeps him fit" [syn: run, running]
8: the continuous period of time during which something (a machine or a factory) operates or continues in operation; "the assembly line was on a 12-hour run"
9: unrestricted freedom to use; "he has the run of the house"
10: the production achieved during a continuous period of operation (of a machine or factory etc.); "a daily run of 100,000 gallons of paint"
11: a small stream [syn: rivulet, rill, run, runnel, streamlet]
12: a race between candidates for elective office; "I managed his campaign for governor"; "he is raising money for a Senate run" [syn: political campaign, campaign, run]
13: a row of unravelled stitches; "she got a run in her stocking" [syn: run, ladder, ravel]
14: the pouring forth of a fluid [syn: discharge, outpouring, run]
15: an unbroken chronological sequence; "the play had a long run on Broadway"; "the team enjoyed a brief run of victories"
16: a short trip; "take a run into town" v
1: move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time; "Don't run--you'll be out of breath"; "The children ran to the store"
2: flee; take to one's heels; cut and run; "If you see this man, run!"; "The burglars escaped before the police showed up" [syn: scat, run, scarper, turn tail, lam, run away, hightail it, bunk, head for the hills, take to the woods, escape, fly the coop, break away]
3: stretch out over a distance, space, time, or scope; run or extend between two points or beyond a certain point; "Service runs all the way to Cranbury"; "His knowledge doesn't go very far"; "My memory extends back to my fourth year of life"; "The facts extend beyond a consideration of her personal assets" [syn: run, go, pass, lead, extend]
4: direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.; "She is running a relief operation in the Sudan" [syn: operate, run]
5: have a particular form; "the story or argument runs as follows"; "as the saying goes..." [syn: run, go]
6: move along, of liquids; "Water flowed into the cave"; "the Missouri feeds into the Mississippi" [syn: run, flow, feed, course]
7: perform as expected when applied; "The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in"; "Does this old car still run well?"; "This old radio doesn't work anymore" [syn: function, work, operate, go, run] [ant: malfunction, misfunction]
8: change or be different within limits; "Estimates for the losses in the earthquake range as high as $2 billion"; "Interest rates run from 5 to 10 percent"; "The instruments ranged from tuba to cymbals"; "My students range from very bright to dull" [syn: range, run]
9: run, stand, or compete for an office or a position; "Who's running for treasurer this year?" [syn: campaign, run]
10: cause to emit recorded audio or video; "They ran the tapes over and over again"; "I'll play you my favorite record"; "He never tires of playing that video" [syn: play, run]
11: move about freely and without restraint, or act as if running around in an uncontrolled way; "who are these people running around in the building?"; "She runs around telling everyone of her troubles"; "let the dogs run free"
12: have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined; "She tends to be nervous before her lectures"; "These dresses run small"; "He inclined to corpulence" [syn: tend, be given, lean, incline, run]
13: be operating, running or functioning; "The car is still running--turn it off!" [ant: idle, tick over]
14: change from one state to another; "run amok"; "run rogue"; "run riot"
15: cause to perform; "run a subject"; "run a process"
16: be affected by; be subjected to; "run a temperature"; "run a risk"
17: continue to exist; "These stories die hard"; "The legend of Elvis endures" [syn: prevail, persist, die hard, run, endure]
18: occur persistently; "Musical talent runs in the family"
19: carry out a process or program, as on a computer or a machine; "Run the dishwasher"; "run a new program on the Mac"; "the computer executed the instruction" [syn: run, execute]
20: include as the content; broadcast or publicize; "We ran the ad three times"; "This paper carries a restaurant review"; "All major networks carried the press conference" [syn: carry, run]
21: carry out; "run an errand"
22: pass over, across, or through; "He ran his eyes over her body"; "She ran her fingers along the carved figurine"; "He drew her hair through his fingers" [syn: guide, run, draw, pass]
23: cause something to pass or lead somewhere; "Run the wire behind the cabinet" [syn: run, lead]
24: make without a miss
25: deal in illegally, such as arms or liquor [syn: run, black market]
26: cause an animal to move fast; "run the dogs"
27: be diffused; "These dyes and colors are guaranteed not to run" [syn: run, bleed]
28: sail before the wind
29: cover by running; run a certain distance; "She ran 10 miles that day"
30: extend or continue for a certain period of time; "The film runs 5 hours" [syn: run, run for]
31: set animals loose to graze
32: keep company; "the heifers run with the bulls to produce offspring" [syn: run, consort]
33: run with the ball; in such sports as football
34: travel rapidly, by any (unspecified) means; "Run to the store!"; "She always runs to Italy, because she has a lover there"
35: travel a route regularly; "Ships ply the waters near the coast" [syn: ply, run]
36: pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals); "Goering often hunted wild boars in Poland"; "The dogs are running deer"; "The Duke hunted in these woods" [syn: hunt, run, hunt down, track down]
37: compete in a race; "he is running the Marathon this year"; "let's race and see who gets there first" [syn: race, run]
38: progress by being changed; "The speech has to go through several more drafts"; "run through your presentation before the meeting" [syn: move, go, run]
39: reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating; "melt butter"; "melt down gold"; "The wax melted in the sun" [syn: melt, run, melt down]
40: come unraveled or undone as if by snagging; "Her nylons were running" [syn: ladder, run]
41: become undone; "the sweater unraveled" [syn: run, unravel]

Merriam Webster's

I. verb (ran; also chiefly dialect run; run; running) Etymology: Middle English ronnen, alteration of rinnen, verbi. (from Old English iernan, rinnan & Old Norse rinna) & of rennen, verbt., from Old Norse renna; akin to Old High German rinnan, verbi., to run, Sanskrit ri??ti he causes to flow, and probably to Latin rivus stream Date: before 12th century intransitive verb 1. a. to go faster than a walk; specifically to go steadily by springing steps so that both feet leave the ground for an instant in each step b. of a horse to move at a fast gallop c. flee, retreat, escape <dropped the gun and ran> d. to utilize a running play on offense — used of a football team 2. a. to go without restraint ; move freely about at will <let chickens run loose> b. to keep company ; consort <a ram running with ewes> <ran with a wild crowd when he was young> c. to sail before the wind in distinction from reaching or sailing close-hauled d. roam, rove <running about with no overcoat> 3. a. to go rapidly or hurriedly ; hasten <run and fetch the doctor> b. to go in urgency or distress ; resort <runs to mother at every little difficulty> c. to make a quick, easy, or casual trip or visit <ran over to borrow some sugar> 4. a. to contend in a race b. to enter into an election contest <will run for mayor> 5. a. to move on or as if on wheels ; glide <file drawers running on ball bearings> b. to roll forward rapidly or freely c. to pass or slide freely <a rope runs through the pulley> d. to ravel lengthwise <stockings guaranteed not to run> 6. to sing or play a musical passage quickly <run up the scale> 7. a. to go back and forth ; ply <the train runs between New York and Washington> b. of fish to migrate or move in considerable numbers; especially to move up or down a river to spawn 8. a. turn, rotate <a swiftly running grindstone> b. function, operate <the engine runs on gasoline> <software that runs on her computer> 9. a. (1) to continue in force, operation, or production <the contract has two more years to run> <the play ran for six months> (2) to have a specified duration, extent, or length <the manuscript runs nearly 500 pages> b. to accompany as a valid obligation or right <a right-of-way that runs with the land> c. to continue to accrue or become payable <interest on the loan runs from July 1> 10. to pass from one state to another <run into debt> 11. a. to flow rapidly or under pressure b. melt, fuse c. spread, dissolve <colors guaranteed not to run> d. to discharge liquid (as pus or serum) <a running sore> 12. a. to develop rapidly in some specific direction; especially to throw out an elongated shoot of growth b. to tend to produce or develop a specified quality or feature <they run to big noses in that family> 13. a. to lie in or take a certain direction <the boundary line runs east> b. to lie or extend in relation to something c. to go back ; reach d. (1) to be in a certain form or expression <the letter runs as follows> (2) to be in a certain order of succession 14. a. to occur persistently <musical talent runs in the family> b. (1) to remain of a specified size, amount, character, or quality <profits were running high> (2) to have or maintain a relative position or condition (as in a race) <ran third> <running late> c. to exist or occur in a continuous range of variation <shades run from white to dark gray> 15. a. to spread or pass quickly from point to point <chills ran up her spine> b. to be current ; circulate <speculation ran rife> transitive verb 1. a. to cause (an animal) to go rapidly ; ride or drive fast b. to bring to a specified condition by or as if by running <ran himself to death> c. to go in pursuit of ; hunt, chase <dogs that run deer> d. to follow the trail of backward ; trace <ran the rumor to its source> e. to enter, register, or enroll as a contestant in a race f. to put forward as a candidate for office g. to carry (the football) on a running play 2. a. to drive (livestock) especially to a grazing place b. to provide pasturage for (livestock) c. to keep or maintain (livestock) on or as if on pasturage 3. a. (1) to pass over or traverse with speed (2) to run on or over in athletic competition <runs the bases well> <run the floor> b. to accomplish or perform by or as if by running <ran a great race> <run errands> c. to slip or go through or past <run a blockade> <run a red light> d. to travel on (as a river) in a boat <run the rapids> 4. a. to cause to penetrate or enter ; thrust <ran a splinter into her toe> b. stitch c. to cause to pass ; lead <run a wire in from the antenna> d. to cause to collide <ran his head into a post> e. smuggle <run guns> 5. to cause to pass lightly or quickly over, along, or into something <ran her eye down the list> 6. a. to cause or allow (as a vehicle or a vessel) to go in a specified manner or direction <ran the car off the road> b. operate <run a lathe> c. to direct the business or activities of ; manage, conduct <run a factory> d. to employ or supervise in espionage <run an agent> 7. a. to be full of or drenched with <streets ran blood> b. contain, assay 8. a. to cause to move or flow in a specified way or into a specified position <run cards into a file> b. to cause to produce a flow (as of water) <run the faucet>; also to prepare by running a faucet <run a hot bath> 9. a. to melt and cast in a mold <run bullets> b. treat, process, refine <run oil in a still> <run a problem through a computer> 10. to make oneself liable to ; incur <ran the risk of discovery> 11. to mark out ; draw <run a contour line on a map> 12. a. to permit (as charges) to accumulate before settling <run a tab at the bar> — often used with up <ran up a large phone bill> b. cost 1 <rooms that run $50 a night> 13. a. to produce by or as if by printing — usually used with off <ran off 10,000 copies of the first edition> b. to carry in a printed medium ; print <every newspaper ran the story> 14. a. to make (a series of counts) without a miss <run 19 in an inning in billiards> b. to lead winning cards of (a suit) successively c. to alter by addition <ran his record to six wins and four losses> 15. to make (a golf ball) roll forward after alighting Usage: The past tense run still survives in speech in southern England and in the speech especially of older people in some parts of the United States It was formerly used in literature, and was a standard variant in our dictionaries from 1828 until 1934. Grammarians have generally opposed it, and many people consider it nonstandard. Just about everybody uses ran in writing now. II. noun Date: 14th century 1. a. an act or the action of running ; continued rapid movement b. a quickened gallop c. a migration of fish (as up or down a river) especially to spawn; also such fish in the process of migration d. a running race <a mile run> e. a score made in baseball by a runner reaching home plate safely f. strength or ability to run g. a gain of a usually specified distance made on a running play in football <scored on a 25-yard run>; also a running play h. a sustained usually aggressive effort (as to win or obtain something) <making a run at the championship> 2. a. chiefly Midland creek 2 b. something that flows in the course of an operation or during a particular time <the first run of sap in sugar maples> 3. a. the stern of the underwater body of a ship from where it begins to curve or slope upward and inward b. the direction in which a vein of ore lies c. a direction of secondary or minor cleavage ; grain <the run of a mass of granite> d. a horizontal distance (as that covered by a flight of steps) e. general tendency or direction 4. a continuous period or series especially of things of identical or similar sort <a run of bad luck>: as a. a rapid passage up or down a scale in vocal or instrumental music b. a number of rapid small dance steps executed in even tempo c. the act of making successively a number of successful shots or strokes; also the score thus made <a run of 20 in billiards> d. an unbroken course of performances or showings <a long run on Broadway> e. a set of consecutive measurements, readings, or observations f. persistent and heavy demands from depositors, creditors, or customers <a run on a bank> g. sequence 2b 5. the quantity of work turned out in a continuous operation <a press run of 10,000 copies> 6. the usual or normal kind, character, type, or group <the average run of students> 7. a. the distance covered in a period of continuous traveling or sailing b. a course or trip especially if mapped out and traveled with regularity c. a news reporter's regular territory ; beat d. freedom of movement in or access to a place or area <has the run of the house> 8. a. the period during which a machine or plant is in continuous operation b. the use of machinery for a single set of processing procedures <a computer run> 9. a. a way, track, or path frequented by animals b. an enclosure for domestic animals where they may feed or exercise c. Australian (1) a large area of land used for grazing <a sheep run> (2) ranch, station <run-holder> d. an inclined passageway 10. a. an inclined course (as for skiing or bobsledding) b. a support (as a track, pipe, or trough) on which something runs 11. a. a ravel in a knitted fabric (as in hosiery) caused by the breaking of stitches b. a paint defect caused by excessive flow 12. plural but singular or plural in construction diarrhea — used with the • runless adjective III. adjective Date: 1774 1. a. being in a melted state <run butter> b. made from molten material ; cast in a mold <run metal> 2. of fish having made a migration or spawning run <a fresh run salmon> 3. exhausted or winded from running

Oxford Reference Dictionary

v. & n. --v. (running; past ran; past part. run) 1 intr. go with quick steps on alternate feet, never having both or all feet on the ground at the same time. 2 intr. flee, abscond. 3 intr. go or travel hurriedly, briefly, etc. 4 intr. a advance by or as by rolling or on wheels, or smoothly or easily. b be in action or operation (left the engine running). 5 intr. be current or operative; have duration (the lease runs for 99 years). 6 intr. (of a bus, train, etc.) travel or be travelling on its route (the train is running late). 7 intr. (of a play, exhibition, etc.) be staged or presented (is now running at the Apollo). 8 intr. extend; have a course or order or tendency (the road runs by the coast; prices are running high). 9 a intr. compete in a race. b intr. finish a race in a specified position. c tr. compete in (a race). 10 intr. (often foll. by for) seek election (ran for president). 11 a intr. (of a liquid etc. or its container) flow or be wet; drip. b tr. flow with. 12 tr. a cause (water etc.) to flow. b fill (a bath) with water. 13 intr. spread rapidly or beyond the proper place (ink ran over the table; a shiver ran down my spine). 14 intr. Cricket (of a batsman) run from one wicket to the other in scoring a run. 15 tr. traverse or make one's way through or over (a course, race, or distance). 16 tr. perform (an errand). 17 tr. publish (an article etc.) in a newspaper or magazine. 18 a tr. cause (a machine or vehicle etc.) to operate. b intr. (of a mechanism or component etc.) move or work freely. 19 tr. direct or manage (a business etc.). 20 tr. own and use (a vehicle) regularly. 21 tr. take (a person) for a journey in a vehicle (shall I run you to the shops?). 22 tr. cause to run or go in a specified way (ran the car into a tree). 23 tr. enter (a horse etc.) for a race. 24 tr. smuggle (guns etc.). 25 tr. chase or hunt. 26 tr. allow (an account) to accumulate for a time before paying. 27 intr. Naut. (of a ship etc.) go straight and fast. 28 intr. (of salmon) go up river from the sea. 29 intr. (of a colour in a fabric) spread from the dyed parts. 30 a intr. (of a thought, the eye, the memory, etc.) pass in a transitory or cursory way (ideas ran through my mind). b tr. cause (one's eye) to look cursorily (ran my eye down the page). 31 intr. (of hosiery) ladder. 32 intr. (of a candle) gutter. 33 intr. (of an orifice, esp. the eyes or nose) exude liquid matter. 34 tr. sew (fabric) loosely or hastily with running stitches. 35 tr. turn (cattle etc.) out to graze. --n. 1 an act or spell of running. 2 a short trip or excursion, esp. for pleasure. 3 a distance travelled. 4 a general tendency of development or movement. 5 a rapid motion. 6 a regular route. 7 a continuous or long stretch or spell or course (a metre's run of wiring; had a run of bad luck). 8 (often foll. by on) a a high general demand (for a commodity, currency, etc.) (a run on the dollar). b a sudden demand for repayment by a large number of customers of (a bank). 9 a quantity produced in one period of production (a print run). 10 a general or average type or class (not typical of the general run). 11 a Cricket a point scored by the batsmen each running to the other's wicket, or an equivalent point awarded for some other reason. b Baseball a point scored usu. by the batter returning to the plate after touching the other bases. 12 (foll. by of) free use of or access to (had the run of the house). 13 a an animal's regular track. b an enclosure for fowls. c a range of pasture. 14 a ladder in hosiery. 15 Mus. a rapid scale passage. 16 a class or line of goods. 17 a batch or drove of animals born or reared together. 18 a shoal of fish in motion. 19 a trough for water to run in. 20 US a small stream or brook. 21 a a single journey, esp. by an aircraft. b (of an aircraft) a flight on a straight and even course at a constant speed before or while dropping bombs. c an offensive military operation. Phrases and idioms: at a (or the) run running. on the run 1 escaping, running away. 2 hurrying about from place to place. run about 1 bustle; hurry from one person or place to another. 2 (esp. of children) play or wander without restraint. run across 1 happen to meet. 2 (foll. by to) make a brief journey or a flying visit (to a place). run after 1 pursue with attentions; seek the society of. 2 give much time to (a pursuit etc.). 3 pursue at a run. run against happen to meet. run along colloq. depart. run around 1 Brit. take from place to place by car etc. 2 deceive or evade repeatedly. 3 (often foll. by with) sl. engage in sexual relations (esp. casually or illicitly). run-around n. (esp. in phr. give a person the run-around) deceit or evasion. run at attack by charging or rushing. run away 1 get away by running; flee, abscond. 2 elope. 3 (of a horse) bolt. run away with 1 carry off (a person, stolen property, etc.). 2 win (a prize) easily. 3 accept (a notion) hastily. 4 (of expense etc.) consume (money etc.). 5 (of a horse) bolt with (a rider, a carriage or its occupants). run a blockade see BLOCKADE. run down 1 knock down or collide with. 2 reduce the strength or numbers of (resources). 3 (of an unwound clock etc.) stop. 4 (of a person or a person's health) become feeble from overwork or underfeeding. 5 discover after a search. 6 disparage. run-down n. 1 a reduction in numbers. 2 a detailed analysis. --adj. 1 decayed after prosperity. 2 enfeebled through overwork etc. run dry cease to flow, be exhausted. run for it seek safety by fleeing. a run (or a good run) for one's money 1 vigorous competition. 2 pleasure derived from an activity. run foul of collide or become entangled with (another vessel etc.). run the gauntlet see GAUNTLET(2). run a person hard (or close) press a person severely in a race or competition, or in comparative merit. run high 1 (of the sea) have a strong current with a high tide. 2 (of feelings) be strong. run in 1 run (a new engine or vehicle) carefully in the early stages. 2 colloq. arrest. 3 (of a combatant) rush to close quarters. 4 incur (a debt). run-in n. 1 the approach to an action or event. 2 a quarrel. run in the family (of a trait) be common in the members of a family. run into 1 collide with. 2 encounter. 3 reach as many as (a specified figure). 4 fall into (a practice, absurdity, etc.). 5 be continuous or coalesce with. run into the ground colloq. bring (a person) to exhaustion etc. run it fine see FINE(1). run its course follow its natural progress; be left to itself. run low (or short) become depleted, have too little (our tea ran short; we ran short of tea). run off 1 flee. 2 produce (copies etc.) on a machine. 3 decide (a race or other contest) after a series of heats or in the event of a tie. 4 flow or cause to flow away. 5 write or recite fluently. 6 digress suddenly. run-off n. 1 an additional competition, election, race, etc., after a tie. 2 an amount of rainfall that is carried off an area by streams and rivers. 3 NZ a separate area of land where young animals etc. are kept. run off one's feet very busy. run-of-the-mill ordinary, undistinguished. run on 1 (of written characters) be joined together. 2 continue in operation. 3 elapse. 4 speak volubly. 5 talk incessantly. 6 Printing continue on the same line as the preceding matter. run out 1 come to an end; become used up. 2 (foll. by of) exhaust one's stock of. 3 put down the wicket of (a batsman who is running). 4 escape from a containing vessel. 5 (of rope) pass out; be paid out. 6 jut out. 7 come out of a contest in a specified position etc. or complete a required score etc. (they ran out worthy winners). 8 complete (a race). 9 advance (a gun etc.) so as to project. 10 exhaust oneself by running. run-out n. the dismissal of a batsman by being run out. run out on colloq. desert (a person). run over 1 overflow. 2 study or repeat quickly. 3 (of a vehicle or its driver) pass over, knock down or crush. 4 touch (the notes of a piano etc.) in quick succession. 5 (often foll. by to) go quickly by a brief journey or for a flying visit. run ragged exhaust (a person). run rings round see RING(1). run riot see RIOT. run a (or the) risk see RISK. run the show colloq. dominate in an undertaking etc. run a temperature be feverish. run through 1 examine or rehearse briefly. 2 peruse. 3 deal successively with. 4 consume (an estate etc.) by reckless or quick spending. 5 traverse. 6 pervade. 7 pierce with a sword etc. 8 draw a line through (written words). run-through n. 1 a rehearsal. 2 a brief survey. run to 1 have the money or ability for. 2 reach (an amount or number). 3 (of a person) show a tendency to (runs to fat). 4 a be enough for (some expense or undertaking). b have the resources or capacity for. 5 fall into (ruin). run to earth 1 Hunting chase to its lair. 2 discover after a long search. run to meet anticipate (one's troubles etc.). run to seed see SEED. run up 1 accumulate (a debt etc.) quickly. 2 build or make hurriedly. 3 raise (a flag). 4 grow quickly. 5 rise in price. 6 (foll. by to) amount to. 7 force (a rival bidder) to bid higher. 8 add up (a column of figures). 9 (foll. by to) go quickly by a brief journey or for a flying visit. run-up n. 1 (often foll. by to) the period preceding an important event. 2 Golf a low approach shot. run up against meet with (a difficulty or difficulties). run upon (of a person's thoughts etc.) be engrossed by; dwell upon. run wild grow or stray unchecked or undisciplined or untrained. Derivatives: runnable adj. Etymology: OE rinnan

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Run Run, v. i. [imp. Ranor Run; p. p. Run; p. pr. & vb. n. Running.] [OE. rinnen, rennen (imp. ran, p. p. runnen, ronnen). AS. rinnan to flow (imp. ran, p. p. gerunnen), and iernan, irnan, to run (imp. orn, arn, earn, p. p. urnen); akin to D. runnen, rennen, OS. & OHG. rinnan, G. rinnen, rennen, Icel. renna, rinna, Sw. rinna, r["a]nna, Dan. rinde, rende, Goth. rinnan, and perh. to L. oriri to rise, Gr. ? to stir up, rouse, Skr. ? (cf. Origin), or perh. to L. rivus brook (cf. Rival). [root]11. Cf. Ember, a., Rennet.] 1. To move, proceed, advance, pass, go, come, etc., swiftly, smoothly, or with quick action; -- said of things animate or inanimate. Hence, to flow, glide, or roll onward, as a stream, a snake, a wagon, etc.; to move by quicker action than in walking, as a person, a horse, a dog. Specifically: 2. Of voluntary or personal action: (a) To go swiftly; to pass at a swift pace; to hasten. ``Ha, ha, the fox!'' and after him they ran. --Chaucer. (b) To flee, as from fear or danger. As from a bear a man would run for life. --Shak. (c) To steal off; to depart secretly. My conscience will serve me to run from this jew. --Shak. (d) To contend in a race; hence, to enter into a contest; to become a candidate; as, to run for Congress. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. --1 Cor. ix. 24. (e) To pass from one state or condition to another; to come into a certain condition; -- often with in or into; as, to run into evil practices; to run in debt. Have I not cause to rave and beat my breast, to rend my heart with grief and run distracted? --Addison. (f) To exert continuous activity; to proceed; as, to run through life; to run in a circle. (g) To pass or go quickly in thought or conversation; as, to run from one subject to another. Virgil, in his first Georgic, has run into a set of precepts foreign to his subject. --Addison. (h) To discuss; to continue to think or speak about something; -- with on. (i) To make numerous drafts or demands for payment, as upon a bank; -- with on. (j) To creep, as serpents. 3. Of involuntary motion: (a) To flow, as a liquid; to ascend or descend; to course; as, rivers run to the sea; sap runs up in the spring; her blood ran cold. (b) To proceed along a surface; to extend; to spread. The fire ran along upon the ground. --Ex. ix. 23. (c) To become fluid; to melt; to fuse. As wax dissolves, as ice begins to run. --Addison. Sussex iron ores run freely in the fire. --Woodward. (d) To turn, as a wheel; to revolve on an axis or pivot; as, a wheel runs swiftly round. (e) To travel; to make progress; to be moved by mechanical means; to go; as, the steamboat runs regularly to Albany; the train runs to Chicago. (f) To extend; to reach; as, the road runs from Philadelphia to New York; the memory of man runneth not to the contrary. She saw with joy the line immortal run, Each sire impressed, and glaring in his son. --Pope. (g) To go back and forth from place to place; to ply; as, the stage runs between the hotel and the station.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Run Run, v. i. [imp. Ranor Run; p. p. Run; p. pr. & vb. n. Running.] [OE. rinnen, rennen (imp. ran, p. p. runnen, ronnen). AS. rinnan to flow (imp. ran, p. p. gerunnen), and iernan, irnan, to run (imp. orn, arn, earn, p. p. urnen); akin to D. runnen, rennen, OS. & OHG. rinnan, G. rinnen, rennen, Icel. renna, rinna, Sw. rinna, r["a]nna, Dan. rinde, rende, Goth. rinnan, and perh. to L. oriri to rise, Gr. ? to stir up, rouse, Skr. ? (cf. Origin), or perh. to L. rivus brook (cf. Rival). [root]11. Cf. Ember, a., Rennet.] 1. To move, proceed, advance, pass, go, come, etc., swiftly, smoothly, or with quick action; -- said of things animate or inanimate. Hence, to flow, glide, or roll onward, as a stream, a snake, a wagon, etc.; to move by quicker action than in walking, as a person, a horse, a dog. Specifically: 2. Of voluntary or personal action: (a) To go swiftly; to pass at a swift pace; to hasten. ``Ha, ha, the fox!'' and after him they ran. --Chaucer. (b) To flee, as from fear or danger. As from a bear a man would run for life. --Shak. (c) To steal off; to depart secretly. My conscience will serve me to run from this jew. --Shak. (d) To contend in a race; hence, to enter into a contest; to become a candidate; as, to run for Congress. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. --1 Cor. ix. 24. (e) To pass from one state or condition to another; to come into a certain condition; -- often with in or into; as, to run into evil practices; to run in debt. Have I not cause to rave and beat my breast, to rend my heart with grief and run distracted? --Addison. (f) To exert continuous activity; to proceed; as, to run through life; to run in a circle. (g) To pass or go quickly in thought or conversation; as, to run from one subject to another. Virgil, in his first Georgic, has run into a set of precepts foreign to his subject. --Addison. (h) To discuss; to continue to think or speak about something; -- with on. (i) To make numerous drafts or demands for payment, as upon a bank; -- with on. (j) To creep, as serpents. 3. Of involuntary motion: (a) To flow, as a liquid; to ascend or descend; to course; as, rivers run to the sea; sap runs up in the spring; her blood ran cold. (b) To proceed along a surface; to extend; to spread. The fire ran along upon the ground. --Ex. ix. 23. (c) To become fluid; to melt; to fuse. As wax dissolves, as ice begins to run. --Addison. Sussex iron ores run freely in the fire. --Woodward. (d) To turn, as a wheel; to revolve on an axis or pivot; as, a wheel runs swiftly round. (e) To travel; to make progress; to be moved by mechanical means; to go; as, the steamboat runs regularly to Albany; the train runs to Chicago. (f) To extend; to reach; as, the road runs from Philadelphia to New York; the memory of man runneth not to the contrary. She saw with joy the line immortal run, Each sire impressed, and glaring in his son. --Pope. (g) To go back and forth from place to place; to ply; as, the stage runs between the hotel and the station.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Run Run, v. i. [imp. Ranor Run; p. p. Run; p. pr. & vb. n. Running.] [OE. rinnen, rennen (imp. ran, p. p. runnen, ronnen). AS. rinnan to flow (imp. ran, p. p. gerunnen), and iernan, irnan, to run (imp. orn, arn, earn, p. p. urnen); akin to D. runnen, rennen, OS. & OHG. rinnan, G. rinnen, rennen, Icel. renna, rinna, Sw. rinna, r["a]nna, Dan. rinde, rende, Goth. rinnan, and perh. to L. oriri to rise, Gr. ? to stir up, rouse, Skr. ? (cf. Origin), or perh. to L. rivus brook (cf. Rival). [root]11. Cf. Ember, a., Rennet.] 1. To move, proceed, advance, pass, go, come, etc., swiftly, smoothly, or with quick action; -- said of things animate or inanimate. Hence, to flow, glide, or roll onward, as a stream, a snake, a wagon, etc.; to move by quicker action than in walking, as a person, a horse, a dog. Specifically: 2. Of voluntary or personal action: (a) To go swiftly; to pass at a swift pace; to hasten. ``Ha, ha, the fox!'' and after him they ran. --Chaucer. (b) To flee, as from fear or danger. As from a bear a man would run for life. --Shak. (c) To steal off; to depart secretly. My conscience will serve me to run from this jew. --Shak. (d) To contend in a race; hence, to enter into a contest; to become a candidate; as, to run for Congress. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. --1 Cor. ix. 24. (e) To pass from one state or condition to another; to come into a certain condition; -- often with in or into; as, to run into evil practices; to run in debt. Have I not cause to rave and beat my breast, to rend my heart with grief and run distracted? --Addison. (f) To exert continuous activity; to proceed; as, to run through life; to run in a circle. (g) To pass or go quickly in thought or conversation; as, to run from one subject to another. Virgil, in his first Georgic, has run into a set of precepts foreign to his subject. --Addison. (h) To discuss; to continue to think or speak about something; -- with on. (i) To make numerous drafts or demands for payment, as upon a bank; -- with on. (j) To creep, as serpents. 3. Of involuntary motion: (a) To flow, as a liquid; to ascend or descend; to course; as, rivers run to the sea; sap runs up in the spring; her blood ran cold. (b) To proceed along a surface; to extend; to spread. The fire ran along upon the ground. --Ex. ix. 23. (c) To become fluid; to melt; to fuse. As wax dissolves, as ice begins to run. --Addison. Sussex iron ores run freely in the fire. --Woodward. (d) To turn, as a wheel; to revolve on an axis or pivot; as, a wheel runs swiftly round. (e) To travel; to make progress; to be moved by mechanical means; to go; as, the steamboat runs regularly to Albany; the train runs to Chicago. (f) To extend; to reach; as, the road runs from Philadelphia to New York; the memory of man runneth not to the contrary. She saw with joy the line immortal run, Each sire impressed, and glaring in his son. --Pope. (g) To go back and forth from place to place; to ply; as, the stage runs between the hotel and the station.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Run Run, v. t. 1. To cause to run (in the various senses of Run, v. i.); as, to run a horse; to run a stage; to run a machine; to run a rope through a block. 2. To pursue in thought; to carry in contemplation. To run the world back to its first original. --South. I would gladly understand the formation of a soul, and run it up to its ``punctum saliens.'' --Collier. 3. To cause to enter; to thrust; as, to run a sword into or through the body; to run a nail into the foot. You run your head into the lion's mouth. --Sir W. Scott. Having run his fingers through his hair. --Dickens. 4. To drive or force; to cause, or permit, to be driven. They ran the ship aground. --Acts xxvii. 41. A talkative person runs himself upon great inconveniences by blabbing out his own or other's secrets. --Ray. Others, accustomed to retired speculations, run natural philosophy into metaphysical notions. --Locke. 5. To fuse; to shape; to mold; to cast; as, to run bullets, and the like. The purest gold must be run and washed. --Felton. 6. To cause to be drawn; to mark out; to indicate; to determine; as, to run a line. 7. To cause to pass, or evade, offical restrictions; to smuggle; -- said of contraband or dutiable goods. Heavy impositions . . . are a strong temptation of running goods. --Swift. 8. To go through or accomplish by running; as, to run a race; to run a certain career. 9. To cause to stand as a candidate for office; to support for office; as, to run some one for Congress. [Colloq. U.S.] 10. To encounter or incur, as a danger or risk; as, to run the risk of losing one's life. See To run the chances, below. ``He runneth two dangers.'' --Bacon.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Run Run, n. 1. The act of running; as, a long run; a good run; a quick run; to go on the run. 2. A small stream; a brook; a creek. 3. That which runs or flows in the course of a certain operation, or during a certain time; as, a run of must in wine making; the first run of sap in a maple orchard. 4. A course; a series; that which continues in a certain course or series; as, a run of good or bad luck. They who made their arrangements in the first run of misadventure . . . put a seal on their calamities. --Burke. 5. State of being current; currency; popularity. It is impossible for detached papers to have a general run, or long continuance, if not diversified with humor. --Addison. 6. Continued repetition on the stage; -- said of a play; as, to have a run of a hundred successive nights. A canting, mawkish play . . . had an immense run. --Macaulay. 7. A continuing urgent demand; especially, a pressure on a bank or treasury for payment of its notes. 8. A range or extent of ground for feeding stock; as, a sheep run. --Howitt. 9. (Naut.) (a) The aftermost part of a vessel's hull where it narrows toward the stern, under the quarter. (b) The distance sailed by a ship; as, a good run; a run of fifty miles. (c) A voyage; as, a run to China. 10. A pleasure excursion; a trip. [Colloq.] I think of giving her a run in London. --Dickens. 11. (Mining) The horizontal distance to which a drift may be carried, either by license of the proprietor of a mine or by the nature of the formation; also, the direction which a vein of ore or other substance takes. 12. (Mus.) A roulade, or series of running tones. 13. (Mil.) The greatest degree of swiftness in marching. It is executed upon the same principles as the double-quick, but with greater speed. 14. The act of migrating, or ascending a river to spawn; -- said of fish; also, an assemblage or school of fishes which migrate, or ascend a river for the purpose of spawning. 15. In baseball, a complete circuit of the bases made by a player, which enables him to score one; in cricket, a passing from one wicket to the other, by which one point is scored; as, a player made three runs; the side went out with two hundred runs. The ``runs'' are made from wicket to wicket, the batsmen interchanging ends at each run. --R. A. Proctor. 16. A pair or set of millstones. At the long run, now, commonly, In the long run, in or during the whole process or course of things taken together; in the final result; in the end; finally. [Man] starts the inferior of the brute animals, but he surpasses them in the long run. --J. H. Newman. Home run. (a) A running or returning toward home, or to the point from which the start was made. Cf. Home stretch. (b) (Baseball) See under Home. The run, or The common run, etc., ordinary persons; the generality or average of people or things; also, that which ordinarily occurs; ordinary current, course, or kind. I saw nothing else that is superior to the common run of parks. --Walpole. Burns never dreamed of looking down on others as beneath him, merely because he was conscious of his own vast superiority to the common run of men. --Prof. Wilson. His whole appearance was something out of the common run. --W. Irving. To let go by the run (Naut.), to loosen and let run freely, as lines; to let fall without restraint, as a sail.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Run Run, a. 1. Melted, or made from molten material; cast in a mold; as, run butter; run iron or lead. 2. Smuggled; as, run goods. [Colloq.] --Miss Edgeworth. Run steel, malleable iron castings. See under Malleable. --Raymond.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Run Run, v. t. (Golf) To strike (the ball) in such a way as to cause it to run along the ground, as when approaching a hole.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Rule Rule, n. Rule of the road (Law), any of the various regulations imposed upon travelers by land or water for their mutual convenience or safety. In the United States it is a rule of the road that land travelers passing in opposite directions shall turn out each to his own right, and generally that overtaking persons or vehicles shall turn out to the left; in England the rule for vehicles (but not for pedestrians) is the opposite of this. Run Run, n. 1. (Piquet, Cribbage, etc.) A number of cards of the same suit in sequence; as, a run of four in hearts. 2. (Golf) (a) The movement communicated to a golf ball by running. (b) The distance a ball travels after touching the ground from a stroke.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Time bill. Same as Time-table. [Eng.] Time book, a book in which is kept a record of the time persons have worked. Time detector, a timepiece provided with a device for registering and indicating the exact time when a watchman visits certain stations in his beat. Time enough, in season; early enough. ``Stanly at Bosworth field, . . . came time enough to save his life.'' --Bacon. Time fuse, a fuse, as for an explosive projectile, which can be so arranged as to ignite the charge at a certain definite interval after being itself ignited. Time immemorial, or Time out of mind. (Eng. Law) See under Immemorial. Time lock, a lock having clockwork attached, which, when wound up, prevents the bolt from being withdrawn when locked, until a certain interval of time has elapsed. Time of day, salutation appropriate to the times of the day, as ``good morning,'' ``good evening,'' and the like; greeting. To kill time. See under Kill, v. t. To make time. (a) To gain time. (b) To occupy or use (a certain) time in doing something; as, the trotting horse made fast time. To move, run, or go, against time, to move, run, or go a given distance without a competitor, in the quickest possible time; or, to accomplish the greatest distance which can be passed over in a given time; as, the horse is to run against time. True time. (a) Mean time as kept by a clock going uniformly. (b) (Astron.) Apparent time as reckoned from the transit of the sun's center over the meridian.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

All fours All` fours" [formerly, All` four".] All four legs of a quadruped; or the two legs and two arms of a person. To be, go, or run, on all fours (Fig.), to be on the same footing; to correspond (with) exactly; to be alike in all the circumstances to be considered. ``This example is on all fours with the other.'' ``No simile can go on all fours.'' --Macaulay.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

(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 57. to run amok: see amok to make your blood run cold: see blood to run counter to something: see counter to run its course: see course to run deep: see deep to run an errand: see errand to run the gamut of something: see gamut to run the gauntlet: see gauntlet to run rings around someone: see ring to run riot: see riot to run a risk: see risk to run to seed: see seed to run wild: see wild

Soule's Dictionary of English Synonyms

I. v. n. 1. Race, step quickly, move swiftly. 2. Haste, hasten, hie, hurry, scud, scamper, scour, speed, post, trip. 3. Flow, glide, move, go proceed, stream, roll on, move on. 4. Fuse, melt, become fluid, be fusible. 5. Pass, proceed, advance, elapse, vanish. 6. Spread, extend. 7. Continue, proceed, go, pass, press. 8. Tend, incline, make transition. 9. Extend, stretch, lie. 10. Steal away, depart privately. II. v. a. 1. Pierce, stab. 2. Push, thrust, put with force. 3. Force, drive. 4. Fuse, melt. 5. Make, force, bring. 6. Shape, form, mould, cast. 7. Incur, be liable to, fall into, be exposed to, encounter. 8. Venture, hazard, risk. 9. Break through, evade, smuggle. 10. Pursue in thought, carry in contemplation, trace by reflection. 11. Determine, mark out. 12. Pursue, follow, perform, take. 13. Pour forth, emit, let flow, discharge. 14. Cause to ply, maintain. III. n. 1. Running. 2. Current, progress, course, flow, passage, motion. 3. Continued course, continued success, currency, popularity. 4. Trip, excursion, journey. 5. Clamor, outcry, protest, popular censure. 6. Pressure, demand, urgent application. 7. Generality, people or things as they are, people or things of average quality. 8. Brook, streamlet, runlet, runnel, rivulet, rill, small stream, burn.