What does runover mean?
A runover is an accident in which a vehicle strikes a pedestrian or animal. The word is especially associated with news reports of serious or fatal incidents involving pedestrians, and it commonly appears in phrases such as "pedestrian run-over" and "fatal run-over." Although it can be written as one word, "run-over" is the more usual spelling in British usage. The term is distinct from the phrasal verb "run over," which can mean either to strike someone or something with a vehicle or to continue reading beyond a specified point. A runover is also distinct from "overrun," which means to exceed a limit or overwhelm a place, system, or resource. In everyday speech, the compound may be used where a more general expression such as "accident" or "collision" would otherwise be sufficient.
nounAn accident in which a vehicle strikes and possibly injures or kills a pedestrian or animal. The term is commonly hyphenated as "run-over".
- An accident involving a vehicle that strikes a pedestrian or animal.
"The driver was charged after a fatal run-over on the highway."
"Campaigners are calling for safer roads after another pedestrian run-over."
"The horse survived the run-over, although it required extensive veterinary treatment."
The plural is uncommon but follows the regular English pattern; "run-overs" is also used.
"The report recorded three runovers during the six-month period."
The compact spelling "runover" turns the familiar phrase "run over" into a stark name for a tragic collision.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does runover come from?
The word is formed by combining "run" and "over," reflecting the action of a vehicle running over a person or animal. Both elements are English: "run" developed from Old English rinnan, while "over" came from Old English ofer. The compound noun became established in modern English, particularly in British journalistic and road-safety usage.
How runover is actually used
This noun is usually written with a hyphen as "run-over," especially in British English. It is chiefly journalistic and is often used with a modifier such as "pedestrian," "fatal," or "vehicle." It should not be confused with the phrasal verb "run over."
Easily confused with runover
"Runover" is a noun naming a vehicle collision, whereas "run over" is a phrasal verb meaning to strike with a vehicle or to continue reading beyond a specified point.
"Overrun" means to exceed a limit or overwhelm a place or system, while a "runover" specifically refers to a vehicle striking a person or animal.