Meaning & Definition of word "Outrun"

Outrun

ˌaʊtˈrʌn

noun:

  • 1. an act of running faster than someone or something else.
    • Example: His outrun during the marathon set a new personal best.

verb:

  • 1. to run faster than someone or something.
    • Example: The athlete trained hard so that he could outrun his competitors in the race.
  • 2. to exceed in speed, distance, or performance.
    • Example: The car was designed to outrun all other models on the market.
  • 3. to escape or avoid something by running away.
    • Example: She managed to outrun the dog that was chasing her.

Etymology

Middle English, from 'out-' + 'run'; akin to Old English 'ūtrūnan'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

outrun one's shadow:

to be extremely fast or to excel significantly

outrun the law:

to avoid capture by the police

outrun the competition:

to surpass competitors in a race or a business context

Related Words

runner:

a person who runs, especially in races

sprint:

a short, fast run

race:

a competition of speed

Slang Meanings of outrun

Meaning: to beat someone in a competition or contest

Example Sentence: I totally outran him in the last game!

Meaning: to leave something behind quickly

Example Sentence: I had to outrun the rain on my way home.