Phrasal verb
run away
Meanings
To leave a place suddenly to escape or avoid a situation, responsibility, or danger.
To escape from home or from the people responsible for you (often used about children or pets).
Definition
To run away means to leave a place quickly to escape or avoid something.
To run away means to leave suddenly, often because you are afraid, upset, or want to avoid trouble. It can describe a child or pet escaping from home, or anyone fleeing a situation. It can also mean to escape from someone who is chasing you.
Examples
- I didn’t run away—I just needed a minute to calm down.
- The child tried to run away when he heard his parents arguing.
- Our dog ran away once and we found him at the park.
- She wanted to run away from the awkward conversation at the party.
- They run away as soon as the security guard approached.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "run away" (escape/leave) with "run out" (have no more of something) and use the wrong phrasal verb.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.