Run away: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in casual, everyday conversations to describe someone leaving a place or situation suddenly, often to avoid trouble or because they are scared. Generally used for people rather than objects.

• The child decided to run away from home.
• She had to run away when she saw the bear.

Used to describe quickly leaving a situation, especially dangerous or violent ones. Often implies urgency and fear.

• Civilians had to flee the war-torn city.
• He decided to flee when he saw the police approaching.

Commonly used in various contexts to indicate breaking free from confinement or avoiding a dangerous or undesirable situation. It can refer to people, animals, or abstract situations.

• The prisoners managed to escape from jail.
• She tried to escape the stress of city life by moving to the countryside.

Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe someone leaving secretly and taking something or avoiding legal consequences. It implies a sense of wrongdoing or evasion.

• The accountant absconded with the company's funds.
• He absconded from bail and was never seen again.

This is used when someone quickly escapes from a place or situation, often because they are scared or in danger. It usually implies urgency and a desire to avoid a bad outcome.

• The child decided to run away from home after the argument.
• She had to run away from the angry dog.

This term typically refers to abandoning people, places, or responsibilities, often in a way that is considered disloyal or irresponsible.

• The soldiers were court-martialed for deserting their posts.
• He deserted his family when they needed him the most.

This word is used for leaving someone or something permanently, often after making a deliberate decision. It can be dramatic and may imply a breach of trust or loyalty.

• I can't believe he would forsake his best friend in times of trouble.
• She had to forsake her dreams to take care of her family.

This is used when someone departs from a place or situation and does not take someone or something with them. It often suggests neglect or something left unintentionally.

• He left behind a note explaining his sudden departure.
• Don't leave any valuables behind when you leave the hotel.