run off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Leave running, often abruptly
Why “off”? Someone or something leaves a starting point. An action or event can also begin.
“The thief ran off into the alley.”
“The dog ran off across the field.”
Don't confuse with
Run off means leave running, often abruptly. Run on means continue without stopping, often longer than expected.
Run off means leave running. Run along means used to tell a child or someone to leave.
Run off means leave running. Run out means reject and force someone to leave a place.
Test yourself
“The thief ran off into the alley.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
run along
A contrast learners often mix up
Used to tell a child or someone to leave (often dismissively)
run on
A contrast learners often mix up
Continue without stopping, often longer than expected; Use a particular fuel or power source to work
run out
A contrast learners often mix up
Use all of the available supply; (of a contract, lease or document) Reach the end of its valid period; Run out of a building or room; Reject and force someone to leave a place
blast off
Same off pattern: departure
Launch into the sky with great force
clear off
Same off pattern: departure
Leave a place quickly, often when told to; Remove items from a surface; Pay a debt completely
dash off
Same off pattern: departure
Leave in a great hurry
drive off
Same off pattern: departure
Leave by car; Force back by attacking
drop off
Same off pattern: departure
Take and leave someone or something at a location; Fall asleep, often unintentionally; Decrease in number, level or amount; Detach and fall away from something
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