Runaway: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is commonly used in informal situations to describe someone who leaves home without permission, often impulsively.

• She felt overwhelmed by family issues and became a runaway.

This word is often used to describe someone who is on the run from the law, especially after committing a crime. It usually has a negative connotation.

• The fugitive has been on the run for several months.
• The FBI published a wanted poster for the fugitive.

This is used to describe someone who has escaped from a place where they were confined, such as a prison or a mental institution.

• The escapee was recaptured by the police after a short chase.
• The asylum had several escapees over the years.

This term is used in a legal or formal context to describe someone who escapes or hides to avoid arrest or punishment.

• The authorities issued a warrant for the arrest of the absconder.
• After embezzling the funds, he became an absconder to avoid prosecution.

Used to describe something that is growing or happening very quickly and cannot be controlled, often in a negative or alarming context.

• The runaway inflation is causing prices to skyrocket.
• A runaway train could cause a serious accident.

Refers to something or someone that is not being managed or restrained, often leading to a chaotic or harmful situation.

• The fire spread at an uncontrolled pace, destroying everything in its path.
• If left uncontrolled, the disease could become an epidemic.

Describes a situation or process that is not being monitored or stopped, often leading to negative consequences.

• Unchecked pollution can damage the environment significantly.
• The unchecked growth of weeds is ruining the garden.

Implies a complete lack of control or limitation, often leading to excessive or extreme behavior or situations.

• His unrestrained anger frightened everyone in the room.
• She expressed her unrestrained joy when she heard the good news.