I. ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: run away
1. : one that flees from danger, duty, or legal or parental restraint : fugitive
2. : the act of running away out of control ; also : a horse that is running out of control
3. : excessive or uncontrolled speed (as of a turbine or locomotive) or flow (as of an oil well)
4. : a one-sided or overwhelming victory
II. adjective
Etymology: run away
1. : running away : fleeing or escaping from danger, duty, or restraint
runaway slave
runaway team
runaway railroad car
2. : accomplished by elopement or during flight
a runaway marriage
3. : won by a long lead
a runaway race
: decisive
4. of prices : subject to rapid changes usually toward higher levels
runaway inflation
III. adjective
1. : highly successful
a runaway bestseller
2. : gone out of control : being beyond control
a runaway cruise missile
runaway population growth