Definitions

1. noun

a person who leaves home or a place without permission, especially a child or young person, often in a state of emotional disturbance or distress.

“The authorities had to find the runaway teenager before she got into any more trouble.”

2. noun

a vehicle, especially a car, that is driven in a reckless or uncontrolled manner, often at high speed.

“The police chased the runaway car through the city streets.”

3. verb

to leave home or a place without permission, especially a child or young person.

“The child’s parents were worried that she had run away from home.”

4. verb

to move or drive something, especially a vehicle, in a reckless or uncontrolled manner.

“The driver lost control of the car and it ran away down the hill.”

5. adjective

not caught or caught up; escaping or escaped, especially from a place or situation.

“The runaway fugitive was finally caught by the police after a month-long manhunt.”