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 of outrun

• 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

Ichabod tries to outrun the ghost, but he is hit in the head with a pumpkin and thrown off his horse. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

Three images, not two The idea behind the Picard maneuver comes from the way a faster-than-light spaceship would outrun its own light. — Matt Von Hippel, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2026

That confusion travels through wellness marketing, which has tied constant hydration to energy, skin health, weight loss and even cancer prevention, claims that outrun the evidence base. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026

The volume of options can outrun the firm’s ability to commit. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

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