RUNAWAY

runaway

(adjective) completely out of control; “runaway inflation”

runaway, blowout, romp, laugher, shoo-in, walkaway

(noun) an easy victory

fugitive, runaway, fleer

(noun) someone who flees from an uncongenial situation; “fugitives from the sweatshops”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

runaway (plural runaways)

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

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

(usually attributive) An object or process that is out of control or out of equilibrium.

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

An overwhelming victory.

Adjective

runaway (comparative more runaway, superlative most runaway)

Having run away; escaped; fugitive

(of a horse or other animal) having escaped from the control of the rider or driver

Pertaining to or accomplished by running away or eloping

Easily won, as a contest

unchecked; rampant

(informal) deserting or revolting against one's group, duties, expected conduct, or the like, especially to establish or join a rival group, change one's life drastically, etc.

Source: Wiktionary

Run"a*way`, n.

1. One who, or that which, flees from danger, duty, restraint, etc.; a fugitive. Thou runaway, thou coward, art thou fled Shak.

2. The act of running away, esp. of a horse or teams; as, there was a runaway yesterday.

Run"a*way`, a.

1. Running away; fleeing from danger, duty, restraint, etc.; as, runaway soldiers; a runaway horse.

2. Accomplished by running away or elopment, or during flight; as, a runaway marriage. 3. (a) Won by a long lead; as, a runaway victory. (b) Very successful; accomplishing success quickly; as, a runaway bestseller.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition