Definition

Describing something that has escaped control or is easily won, often used for situations like victories, inflation, or animals that have run away.

Example

The team achieved a runaway victory in the championship game.

Conversation

Did you hear about that runaway horse in the park yesterday?

Yeah, it caused quite a scene!

I can't believe how fast it was running away from its owner.

Right? It's amazing how some animals can just take off like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A person or animal who has left a place suddenly, often to escape from something like danger or responsibility.

Example

The police are searching for a runaway who left home last week.

Conversation

Did you hear about that runaway dog in the neighborhood?

Yeah, I saw a post about it online; I hope they find him soon.

I wonder if he ran away from home or just got lost while playing.

Root Explanation

Runaway → It is formed from "run" (from Old English "rinnan", meaning to flow or move swiftly) and "away" (meaning from a place or position). The word "runaway" describes someone who has moved swiftly away from a place, often in the context of escaping or fleeing.

Memory Tip

Imagine someone moving swiftly ('run') to get 'away' from a situation — that's why a runaway is someone who has fled.

Visually Confused Words