runaway Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an easy victory
    laugher; romp; blowout; walkaway; shoo-in.
  2. noun someone who flees from an uncongenial situation
    fugitive; fleer.
    • fugitives from the sweatshops
  3. adjective satellite completely out of control
    • runaway inflation

WordNet

Run"a*way` noun
Definitions
  1. One who, or that which, flees from danger, duty, restraint, etc.; a fugitive.
    Thou runaway, thou coward, art thou fled? Shak.
  2. The act of running away, esp. of a horse or teams; as, there was a runaway yesterday.
Run"a*way` adjective
Definitions
  1. Running away; fleeing from danger, duty, restraint, etc.; as, runaway soldiers; a runaway horse.
  2. Accomplished by running away or elopment, or during flight; as, a runaway marriage.
  3. (a) Won by a long lead; as, a runaway victory. (b) Very successful; accomplishing success quickly; as, a runaway bestseller.

Webster 1913