runaway

²runaway

adj

Definition of RUNAWAY

1

a : running away : fugitive b : leaving to gain special advantages (as lower wages) or avoid disadvantages (as governmental or union restrictions) <runaway shipping firms> <a runaway shop>

2

: accomplished by elopement or during flight

3

: won by or having a long lead <a runaway success>; also : extremely successful <a runaway best seller>

4

: subject to uncontrolled changes <runaway inflation>

5

: being or operating out of control <a runaway oil well> <a runaway nuclear reactor>

Examples of RUNAWAY

1. The play was a runaway success.
2. <a region plagued by runaway suburban sprawl>

First Known Use of RUNAWAY

1548

Related to RUNAWAY

Synonyms: abandoned, intemperate, raw, rampant, unbounded, unbridled, unchecked, uncontrolled, unhampered, unhindered, unrestrained

Antonyms: bridled, checked, constrained, controlled, curbed, governed, hampered, hindered, restrained, temperate

Related Words: uncontrollable, ungovernable; barbaric, hog wild, riotous, uninhibited, wild

Near Antonyms: moderate, tempered

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