—run /rʌn/
noun (ILLNESS)
the runs INFORMAL► F0 a condition of the bowels in which the contents are passed out of the body too often and in a form that is too liquid→ SYNONYM DIARRHOEA(Cf. ↑diarrhoea)Thesaurus+: ↑Digestive disordersnoun (ORDINARY)
the general/usual run of sth► F0 the usual type of something: » Their food is the general run of hotel cooking.Thesaurus+: ↑Categories and varieties , ↑Species and gendersWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrunnoun (SERIES)
a run of sth► C2 A run of something is a continuous period during which it lasts or is repeated: » a run of successes/defeats/bad luckThesaurus+: ↑Order and sequence , ↑Simultaneous and consecutiveThesaurus+: ↑Periods of time - general wordsnoun (TRAVEL)
F0 [C] a journey:
» The number of aircraft on the New York-Moscow run is being increased.» OLD-FASHIONED Let's go for a run (out) in the car somewhere.» The plane swooped in on its bombing run.Thesaurus+: ↑JourneysF0 [C] the period during which a play is performed:
» The musical's London run was a disaster.» They're doing a run at the Cambridge Playhouse.Thesaurus+: ↑Spectacles and performancesWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrun• • •
Extra Examples:» England's unbeaten run of ten games ended last night when they went down 4-2 to France.» Her run of bad luck continued when she had her purse stolen.» After a successful run on Broadway the musical is coming to the West End.» The school run in the morning increases congestion on the roads.» The bus broke down on its run between Brighton and London.noun [C usually singular] (BUY)
► F0 a situation in which many people suddenly buy a particular product: » There's been a run on umbrellas because of all this rain.Thesaurus+: ↑BuyingWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrunnoun [C usually singular] (SELL)
► F0 a situation in which many people suddenly sell a particular product: » A sudden run on the dollar has lowered its value.Thesaurus+: ↑SellingWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrunnoun [C] (AREA)
► F0 an area of ground of limited size for keeping animals: » a sheep/chicken/hen runThesaurus+: ↑Animal Dwellings - man-made , ↑Animal dwellings - naturalWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrunnoun [C] (GO QUICKLY)
► B1 the action of running, especially for exercise: » We go for/do a three-mile run every evening after work.» If you set off at a run (= running), you'll be exhausted later.Thesaurus+: ↑Moving quicklyWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrun• • •
Extra Examples:» Jim had just been on a run and was dripping with sweat.» The local elections can be seen as a dummy run for the national election next year.» The escapees were recaptured after three days on the run.» After the run they were fit to drop.» "Do you want to join me on a ten-mile run?" "Not likely !"noun [C] (HOLE)
► F0 a long, vertical hole in tights and stockings: » I've got a run in my tights from the nail on my chair.Thesaurus+: ↑Holes, hollows and dipsThesaurus+: ↑Tearing and breaking into piecesWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrunnoun [C] (POINT)
► B2 in cricket and baseball, a single point, scored by running from one place to another: » England need 105 runs to win the game.» a home runThesaurus+: ↑Cricket , ↑General terms used in ball sportsThesaurus+: ↑Baseball and rounders , ↑General terms used in ball sportsWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrun• • •
Extra Examples:» Pakistan declared at 350 for 7, leaving Australia to make an unlikely 5 runs an over to win.» It isn't easy to score runs against pace bowlers.» A single to extra cover brought him the run he needed to complete his century.» Thorpe scored most of his runs on the leg side.» England scored 158 runs before lunch for the loss of only one wicket.verb (PRESENT PARTICIPLE running, PAST TENSE ran, PAST PARTICIPLE run) (GO QUICKLY) ↑Verb Endings for run
A1 [I or T] (of people and some animals) to move along, faster than walking, by taking quick steps in which each foot is lifted before the next foot touches the ground:
» [+ to infinitive] The children had to run to keep up with their father.» I can run a mile in five minutes.» The sheep ran away/off in fright.» A little girl ran up to (= came quickly beside) me, crying for her daddy.» Are you running against each other or against the clock?» The first two races will be run (off) (= will happen) in 20 minutes.Thesaurus+: ↑Moving quicklyF0 [T] If you run an animal in a race, you cause it to take part:
» Thompson Stables are running three horses in the next race.Thesaurus+: ↑Competing in sport , ↑Competing and contending (non-sporting)F0 [I + adv/prep] to go quickly or in a hurry:
» Would you run round to the post office and get me some stamps?» You don't put on weight when you spend all day running round after small children.Thesaurus+: ↑Moving quicklyrun for sthF0 to run fast in order to get or avoid something:
» I ran for the bus but it drove off.Thesaurus+: ↑Running away and escapingrun on the spotF0 to move your legs as if running, while you stay in one place:
» I run on the spot to warm up before I play football.Thesaurus+: ↑Exercising and trainingWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrun• • •
Extra Examples:» "How does she manage to run so fast at her age?" he asked in awed tones.» They stripped naked and ran into the sea.» "I ran all the way home, " she puffed.» People were screaming and running down the steps to escape the flames.» She runs much faster than he does.verb (PRESENT PARTICIPLE running, PAST TENSE ran, PAST PARTICIPLE run) (OPERATE) ↑Verb Endings for run
B2 [I or T] to (cause something to) operate:
» Keep clear of the machines while they're running.» The government took desperate measures to keep the economy running.» Do you know how to run this sort of machinery?» The mechanic asked me to run the engine (= switch it on and allow it to work) for a minute.» They had the new computer system up and running (= working) within an hour.» We've run the computer program, but nothing happens.» We're running (= doing) an experiment.Thesaurus+: ↑Functioning , ↑Performing a functionB1 [T] to be in control of something:
» He's been running a restaurant/his own company since he left school.» The local college runs (= provides) a course in self-defence.» a well-run/badly-run organization/business/courseThesaurus+: ↑Managing and organizingrun a tight shipF0 to control a business or other organization firmly and effectively:
» Ruth runs a tight ship and has no time for shirkers.Thesaurus+: ↑Controlling and being in chargeF0 [T] If you run a car, you own one, drive it, and pay for the costs:
» I can't afford to run a car.Thesaurus+: ↑Driving and operating road vehiclesF0 [T] to organize the way you live or work:
» Some people run their lives according to the movements of the stars.Thesaurus+: ↑Managing and organizingWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrun• • •
Extra Examples:» We must impose some kind of order on the way this office is run.» Modification of the engine to run on lead-free fuel is fairly simple.» Feedback from the sensors ensures that the car engine runs smoothly.» The engineer soon got the air-conditioning running again.» We are running below capacity because of cancelled orders.verb (PRESENT PARTICIPLE running, PAST TENSE ran, PAST PARTICIPLE run) (SHOW) ↑Verb Endings for run
C1 [T] to show something in a newspaper or magazine, on television, etc.:
» All the newspapers ran (= printed) stories about the new peace talks.» Channel 4 is running a series on the unfairness of the legal system.Thesaurus+: ↑Newspapers and magazinesThesaurus+: ↑Broadcasting in generalF0 [I] INDIAN ENGLISH If a film is running at a particular place, you can see it there:
» What's running at the the Metro this week?Word Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrunverb [I or T, usually + adv/prep] (PRESENT PARTICIPLE running, PAST TENSE ran, PAST PARTICIPLE run) (TRAVEL) ↑Verb Endings for run
► B2 to (cause something to) travel, move, or continue in a particular way: » Trains are still running, despite the snow.» A bus runs (= goes on a particular route at particular times) three times a day into town.» Skis are waxed on the bottom so that they run smoothly over the snow.» The route/railway/road runs (= goes) across the border/into Italy/through the mountains.» A climbing rose bush runs (= grows) around the front door.» There's a beautiful cornice running around/round all the ceilings.» The film runs (= lasts) for two hours.» The show/course/film runs (= continues) for another week.» A magazine subscription usually only runs (= can be used) for one year.» Buses are running an hour late, because of an earlier accident.» The truck's brakes failed and it ran (= went) off the road.» Trains run on rails (= move along on top of them).» Electricity is running through (= moving along within) this cable.» An angry muttering ran through (= went through) the crowd.» A shiver of fear ran through his (body).» She ran her finger along/down the page/list, looking for her name.» Could you run the tape/film/video back/forwards, please?» Could you possibly run me (= take me in your car) home/to the station?» He ran (= pushed) his fingers through his hair and looked up at me.Thesaurus+: ↑Advancing and moving forwardThesaurus+: ↑Continue and lastWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrun• • •
Extra Examples:» A river runs along one side of the field's perimeter.» The ring road runs around the periphery of the city centre.» A ripple of applause ran through the crowd.» Her words kept running through my mind.» A deep furrow has formed in the rock, where water has run over it for centuries.verb [I or T] (PRESENT PARTICIPLE running, PAST TENSE ran, PAST PARTICIPLE run) (FLOW) ↑Verb Endings for run
► B2 to (cause something to) flow, produce liquid, or (especially of colours in clothes) to come out or spread: » I can feel trickles of sweat running down my neck.» Don't cry, or your make-up will run (= become liquid and move down your face).» The walls were running with damp.» The river runs (down) to/into the sea.» The hot tap is running cold (= producing cold water)!» I turned the tap on and ran some cold water on the burn.» [+ two objects] I'll run you a hot bath (= fill a bath with water for you).» My nose and eyes have been running all week because of hay fever.» I must have washed my dress at too high a temperature, because the colour has run.» If the first layer isn't dry before you add the next one, the colours will run into each other (= mix).» FIGURATIVE After twelve hours at her word processor, the words began to run into one another (= seem mixed together).Thesaurus+: ↑Movement of liquidsThesaurus+: ↑Colour - general wordsWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrun• • •
Extra Examples:» The tears ran down her cheeks.» I put my new green shirt in a hot wash and the colour ran.» Rivulets of sweat ran down his face.» My nose has started to run.» I was chopping onions so my eyes were running.verb [I] (PRESENT PARTICIPLE running, PAST TENSE ran, PAST PARTICIPLE run) (HOLE) ↑Verb Endings for run
► F0 If tights (= thin clothing that covers the legs) run, a long, thin hole appears in them: » Oh no, my tights have run!Thesaurus+: ↑Tearing and breaking into piecesWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrunverb [I] (PRESENT PARTICIPLE running, PAST TENSE ran, PAST PARTICIPLE run) (POLITICS) ↑Verb Endings for run
► F0 to compete as a candidate in an election: » Mrs Thatcher wanted to run a fourth time.» He's going to run against Smith/for president/for re-election.Thesaurus+: ↑ElectionsWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrunverb [L only + adj] (PRESENT PARTICIPLE running, PAST TENSE ran, PAST PARTICIPLE run) (BECOME) ↑Verb Endings for run
► F0 to be or become: » Differences between the two sides run deep (= are serious).» The river/reservoir/well ran dry (= its supply of water finished).» Supplies are running low (= there's not much left).» We're beginning to run short of money/Money is beginning to run short (= there's not much left).Thesaurus+: ↑Existing and beingWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrun• • •
Extra Examples:» By this time all the wells had run dry.» I'll stop and get some gas - we're running low.» We're running low on milk - could you buy some more?» Our patience ran out.» Feelings were running high at the residents' meeting.verb [T] (PRESENT PARTICIPLE running, PAST TENSE ran, PAST PARTICIPLE run) (TAKE) ↑Verb Endings for run
► F0 to take guns or drugs illegally from one place to another: » He was arrested for running drugs across the border into America.Thesaurus+: ↑Trafficking and racketeeringWord Builder:–Nouns: run, rerun, runner, running–Adjectives: running, runny–Verbs: run, outrun, overrun