end run

1 of 2

noun

1
: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end of the line
specifically : sweep sense 3e
2
: an evasive trick or maneuver
made an end run around the regulations

end-run

2 of 2

verb

end-ran; end-running; end-runs

transitive verb

: to avoid artfully
end-running the law

Examples of end run in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
This is an end run around regulations that are on the books today. Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 22 Apr. 2025 With the aid of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency team, Trump appears to be attempting an end run that could succeed where his past attempts failed: by simply terminating the consulting contract that the Department of Energy relies on to develop and enforce the rules. Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
But the measure, which is privileged under Senate rules, is the latest example of Democrats using the tools of the minority to end-run that control. David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2025 Otherwise, allowing states to use their federal authorities to regulate transportation by rail would simply end-run ICCTA, and conflict directly with the express intention of Congress to ensure uniform national regulation of rail transportation. Glenn G. Lammi, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for end run

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of end run was in 1902

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Cite this Entry

“End run.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/end%20run. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

end run

noun
: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end

More from Merriam-Webster on end run

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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