Outrunning: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word ‘outrunning’ comes from the Old English 'ūtrunian', meaning to run beyond.
• It combines the prefix 'out-', meaning beyond, and 'run', creating a sense of surpassing.
• The concept of outrunning can be traced back to various cultures where speed was crucial for hunting.

Sports and Recreation

• In competitive sports, outrunning an opponent is often the goal in races like sprinting and marathons.
• Training methods such as interval training focus on improving speed to enhance the ability to outrun others.
• Some of the world's fastest athletes have achieved legendary status through their outrunning capabilities.

Cultural References

• Outrunning is a popular theme in films and literature, symbolizing freedom or survival, often seen in action movies.
• In many folktales, characters outrun dangers or beasts as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles.
• Video games often feature characters who must outrun enemies to survive, enhancing the player's sense of urgency.

Psychology

• Studies show that the thrill of outrunning others can release feel-good hormones, making competition enjoyable.
• The desire to outrun can be linked to survival instincts, where being faster is synonymous with safety.
• Motivational theories suggest that the chase of outrunning others can drive individuals to improve their performance.

Nature and Biology

• Many animals rely on speed, as seen with cheetahs that can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour to outrun predators.
• In evolutionary terms, outrunning threats is a survival tactic that has shaped the behaviors of species over time.
• Fleeing from danger is not just human; creatures from gazelles to rabbits must be swift to survive in the wild.

Ranking #36,576, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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