Phrasal verb
run away
To run away means to leave a place quickly to escape or avoid something.
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 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.