Word
outrun
Phoneticsout·run, stress on the second syllable
US/aʊˈtɹən/
UK/aʊtɹˈʌn/
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
outrun
Past
outran
Past participle
outrun
Definition
v. to run faster than someone or something else. You use this when you are trying to get away from a pursuer or a dangerous situation.
v. to run faster than another person or thing; to escape from a pursuer by speed. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the person or thing being outpaced.
Examples
“He tried to outrun the dog but failed.”
“The hikers had to outrun the approaching storm to reach the safety of the valley.”
“Despite his best efforts to outrun the advancing tide, the small fishing boat was eventually swept away by the powerful currents of the rising sea.”
Examples
simple
“He tried to outrun the dog but failed.”
contextual
“The hikers had to outrun the approaching storm to reach the safety of the valley.”
complex
“Despite his best efforts to outrun the advancing tide, the small fishing boat was eventually swept away by the powerful currents of the rising sea.”
Real-World Examples
“Fernandes turns 32 in early September; can he outrun age for another season?” Etymology
From out- + run.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/outrun