What does outrun mean?
Outrun means to move faster than another person or thing, especially in a race, and so leave them behind. The expression also has a figurative use: a product, business, idea, or person may outrun competitors by becoming more successful, popular, or advanced. It can imply sustained superiority rather than a single momentary victory, although the literal sense originally centers on running. In contemporary usage, “outrun the competition” is especially common in business, technology, sports, and media. Outrun can also mean to escape by running, though this sense is less frequent. The word is usually transitive when it takes a person, group, or thing as its object, while the simple form can also function intransitively.
verbTo run faster than someone or something, especially in a race; to leave behind by running. It can also mean to surpass someone or something in progress, performance, or achievement.
- To run faster than another person or animal, especially in a race.
- To escape or get away from someone by running.
- To surpass someone or something in speed, development, success, or performance.
"The sprinter gradually outran her competitors and crossed the finish line well ahead of them."
"The hare outran the fox and reached the cover of the woods first."
"Their innovative service quickly outran larger competitors in customer satisfaction."
Outrun began with the simple idea of leaving a rival behind on foot, but now it can describe anything that pulls ahead, from a sports car to a rapidly growing technology.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outrun come from?
Outrun is formed in English by combining the prefix out- with run, expressing the idea of running beyond or getting ahead of someone else. The compound is attested from the early modern period and is built on the same Germanic and Old English verbal root as run. Related forms include overrun, rerun, and forerun, which extend the same basic combination of directional or prefixed motion with the verb.
Related word forms
How outrun is actually used
The word is commonly used figuratively for gaining a lead in achievement, popularity, growth, or performance. It may suggest either impressive speed or a gradual widening of advantage.
Easily confused with outrun
Outrun means to get ahead of or surpass someone, whereas overrun means to run or spread over someone or something, often unexpectedly or harmfully.