What does "runaway" mean?
A person or animal that runs away or has run away; a person, animal, or organization that escapes captivity or restrictions.
Runaway
/ˈɹʌnəweɪ/ adj, noun, slang
adj, noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person or animal that runs away or has run away; a person, animal, or organization that escapes captivity or restrictions.
- Grammar: runaway is listed as adj, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: fugitive, absconder, absconder, absconding.
- Useful contrasts: controlled, homebody, regulated.
- Usage evidence: The police are in pursuit of the runaway.
How to use "runaway"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "runaway" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "runaway" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "runaway" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "runaway" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "runaway" is acting as adj, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "fugitive" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "runaway", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person or animal that runs away or has run away; a person, animal, or organization that escapes captivity or restrictions.
"Runaways are vulnerable to criminal exploitation."
- 2 an easy victory wordnet
- 3 A vehicle (especially, a train) that is out of control.
"On New Year's Day, 1850, a catastrophe, which it is fearful to contemplate, was averted by the aid of the telegraph. A collision had occurred to an empty train at Gravesend; and the driver having leaped from his engine, the latter started alone at full speed to London. Notice was immediately given by telegraph to London and other stations; and while the line was kept clear, an engine and other arrangements were prepared as a buttress to receive the runaway."
- 4 someone who flees from an uncongenial situation wordnet
- 5 An object or process that is out of control or out of equilibrium. attributive, usually
"On the chart, the start of a runaway is marked by a box"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 The act of running away, especially of a horse or teams.
"The drivers were generally boys […] They would stop the team when other boats passed and at locks while waiting for the water to rise or fall. They could also be useful in preventing or stopping runaways. Horses were easily startled and might bolt off the tow path or into the canal itself."
- 7 An overwhelming victory.
"The home side won in a runaway."
Adjective
- 1 Having run away; escaped; fugitive; fleeting. not-comparable
"a runaway thief"
- 2 Having run away; escaped; fugitive; fleeting.; Having escaped from the control of the rider or driver. not-comparable
"a runaway donkey"
- 3 Having run away; escaped; fugitive; fleeting.; Pertaining to or accomplished by running away or eloping. not-comparable
"a runaway marriage"
- 4 Easily won, as a contest. not-comparable
"a runaway victory at the polls"
- 5 Accelerating out of control. not-comparable
"a runaway train"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Unchecked; rampant. not-comparable
"runaway prices"
- 7 Deserting or revolting against one's group, duties, expected conduct, or the like, especially to establish or join a rival group, change one's life drastically, etc. informal, not-comparable
"The runaway delegates nominated their own candidate."
Adjective
- 1 completely out of control wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The police are in pursuit of the runaway."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "runaway"?
Common synonyms include: fugitive, absconder, absconder, absconding, at large, blowout.
How do you use "runaway" in a sentence?
The police are in pursuit of the runaway.
How do you pronounce "runaway"?
Pronounced /ˈɹʌnəweɪ/.
Etymology
Deverbal from run away.