run off Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb run away; usually includes taking something or somebody along
   abscond; make off; absquatulate; decamp; bolt; go off.
   
   • The thief made off with our silver
   • the accountant absconded with the cash from the safe
2. verb leave suddenly and as if in a hurry
   bolt out; run out; bolt; beetle off.
   
   • The listeners bolted when he discussed his strange ideas
   • When she started to tell silly stories, I ran out
3. verb force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings
   turn back; drive out; dispel; drive away; chase away; drive off.
   
   • Drive away potential burglars
   • drive away bad thoughts
   • dispel doubts
   • The supermarket had to turn back many disappointed customers
4. verb run away secretly with one's beloved
   elope.
   
   • The young couple eloped and got married in Las Vegas
5. verb run off as waste
   waste.
   
   • The water wastes back into the ocean
6. verb reproduce by xerography
   photocopy; xerox.
   
7. verb decide (a contest or competition) by a runoff
   

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