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

• break
• exceed
• outreach
• overpass
• overreach
• overrun
• overshoot
• overstep
• surpass
• transcend

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

Was his escape to Overcomer a bid to outrun someone else, or simply his own past? —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2024

The simple life turns out to be anything but simple in this brilliantly observed tragicomedy, as the consequences of Strings’ success and mind-bending effects of his fame prove all but impossible to outrun. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2024

Caveat: Metro Atlanta unemployment is low, inflation is dropping and the U.S. economy is outrunning every other major democracy's, according to the Wall Street Journal. —Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024

The series habitually outruns its own story, an ouroboros that moves forward only to find itself back on the beach in Italy. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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