runaway

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   completely out of control

   runaway inflation

2. 2
   noun

   A person or animal that runs away or has run away; a person, animal, or organization that escapes captivity or restrictions.

   Runaways are vulnerable to criminal exploitation.

3. 3
   noun

   A vehicle (especially, a train) that is out of control.

   On New Year's Day, 1850, a catastrophe, which it is fearful to contemplate, was averted by the aid of the telegraph. A collision had occurred to an empty train at Gravesend; and the driver having leaped from his engine, the latter started alone at full speed to London. Notice was immediately given by telegraph to London and other stations; and while the line was kept clear, an engine and other arrangements were prepared as a buttress to receive the runaway.

4. 4
   noun

   An object or process that is out of control or out of equilibrium.

   On the chart, the start of a runaway is marked by a box

5. 5
   noun

   The act of running away, especially of a horse or teams.

   The drivers were generally boys […] They would stop the team when other boats passed and at locks while waiting for the water to rise or fall. They could also be useful in preventing or stopping runaways. Horses were easily startled and might bolt off the tow path or into the canal itself.

6. 6
   noun

   An overwhelming victory.

   The home side won in a runaway.

7. 7
   adj

   Having run away; escaped; fugitive; fleeting.

   a runaway thief

8. 8
   adj

   Easily won, as a contest.

   a runaway victory at the polls

Etymology

Deverbal from run away.