outrun

verb

out·​run ˌau̇t-ˈrən 

outran ˌau̇t-ˈran  ; outrun; outrunning

transitive verb

1

: to run faster than

2

: exceed, surpass

his ambitions outrun his abilities

Synonyms

• exceed
• surpass

Examples of outrun in a Sentence

The rabbit had no chance of outrunning the dogs.

His motorcycle could outrun any car on the road.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sam’s science fiction action adventure spotlights life on the margins if also on the fringes of deep space, its two main characters a pair of well-meaning outcasts outrunning the law. —Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

Adoption can outrun outcomes, pilots can sprawl, and value can be elusive. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025

After Russian strongman Ivan Drago beats Rocky’s best friend to death in an exhibition bout, Rocky moves to the Soviet Union to train, running in the snow and even climbing a mountain to outrun the demon on his back. —Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

While Anna tries to outrun her demons, her focus turns to solving crimes that have taken place within national park grounds, no matter who or what gets in her way. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outrun

• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• pashtun
• redone
• rerun
• shotgun
• someone
• stepson

Kids Definition

outrun

verb

out·​run (ˈ)au̇t-ˈrən 

outran -ˈran  ; outrun; outrunning

1

: to run or go faster than

2

: exceed sense 1

our needs outran our funds