run

verb

\ ˈrən

ran\ ˈran

\ also chiefly dialectal run; run; running

Definition of run

(Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1a : 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

2a : 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

3a : 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

4a : to contend in a race

b : to enter into an election contest will run for mayor

5a : 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

7a : 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

8a : turn, rotate a swiftly running grindstone

b : function, operate the engine runs on gasoline software that runs on her computer

9a(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

11a : to flow rapidly or under pressure

b : melt, fuse

c : spread, dissolve colors guaranteed not to run

d : to discharge liquid (such as pus or serum) a running sore

12a : 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

13a : 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

14a : 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

15a : to spread or pass quickly from point to point chills ran up her spine

b : to be current : circulate speculation ran rife

transitive verb

1a : 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

2a : 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

3a(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 in a boat run the rapids

4a : 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

6a : to cause or allow (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

Definition of run

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