run down

run down

verb

Definition of RUN DOWN

transitive verb

1

a : to collide with and knock down b : to run against and cause to sink

2

a : to chase to exhaustion or until captured b : to trace the source of c : to tag out (a base runner) between bases on a rundown

3

: disparage

intransitive verb

1

: to cease to operate because of the exhaustion of motive power <the clock ran down>

2

: to decline in physical condition or vigor

Examples of RUN DOWN

1. <finally ran down the answer after hours of research>
2. <constantly running down the city's cultural life won't do anything to improve it>

First Known Use of RUN DOWN

circa 1578

Related to RUN DOWN

Synonyms: ascertain, descry, detect, determine, dig out, dig up, discover, dredge (up), ferret (out), find out, get, hit (on or upon), hunt (down or up), learn, locate, nose out, root (out), rout (out), rummage, find, scare up, scout (up), track (down), turn up

Antonyms: miss, overlook, pass over

Related Words: espy, sight, spot; look for, search (for or out), seek

Near Antonyms: lose, mislay, misplace, misset

see all synonyms and antonyms

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