runaway
n. · adj.-
1 a person who left home (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatesomeone, usually a young person, who leaves their home or family without permission.
a person, typically a minor, who has left their home or place of residence without parental or guardian consent.
ExampleThe police found the runaway at the train station and took him home safely.
ExampleSocial workers often encounter runaways who have fled difficult domestic situations in search of independence in the city.
- escapee
- fugitive
- missing person
-
2 out of control (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatemoving or happening very quickly in a way that cannot be stopped.
characterised by rapid, unchecked increase or movement that has escaped human or mechanical control.
ExampleThe truck became a runaway vehicle after its brakes failed on the steep hill.
ExampleEconomists expressed deep concern over runaway inflation, which threatened to devalue the national currency within a matter of months.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 an easy victory (adj.) C1 Advanced Informal Sportdescribes a win or success that is very easy and happens by a large amount.
denoting a victory or success achieved easily and by a substantial margin.
ExampleThe team had a runaway victory, winning the game by forty points.
ExampleAfter the early polls closed, it became clear that the incumbent was heading for a runaway success in the local elections.
-
4 leaving a group (adj.) C1 Advanced Informalleaving a group or job suddenly to do something different or join a rival.
deserting or revolting against a group or established duties, often to join a competing faction.
ExampleThe runaway members of the party decided to start their own political group.
ExampleThe company struggled to contain the damage after a runaway executive leaked trade secrets to their primary competitor.
Deverbal from run away.