Definition

Noun: 1. The act of leaving (without permission) the place you are expected to be: This refers to the action of departing or escaping from a location where one is supposed to remain, typically done secretly or without authorization.

Usage

The term "running away" is used to describe the specific act of unauthorized departure. It often implies a deliberate escape from a situation, such as home, school, or custody. - It is commonly used in contexts involving children, teenagers, or individuals fleeing restrictive environments. - It can describe both a single instance and the general concept of escape.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The teenager's running away from home caused his parents great distress.
  • After the running away of three students, the boarding school increased its security.
  • Her constant thoughts of running away were a sign of her unhappiness.

Advanced Usage

• "running away" as a gerund/noun phrase: The phrase functions as a noun (gerund) and can be the subject or object of a sentence. It is often preceded by possessive forms (e.g., , ).
  • His sudden running away surprised everyone.
• Conceptual use: Can be used to discuss the phenomenon in a general sense.
  • The book explores the theme of running away from one's problems.

Variants and Related Words

• Runaway (n/adj): A person who has run away (e.g., ). As an adjective, it describes something out of control (e.g., ). Note: This is a distinct compound word.
• Elopement (n): A more specific term for running away secretly to get married.
• Absconding (n): A formal term, often used in legal contexts, for leaving secretly to avoid arrest or legal action.
• Fleeing (n): The act of running away from danger or a threat.

Synonyms

• Escape: The act of breaking free from confinement or control.
• Flight: The act of fleeing or running away.
• Bolt: A sudden dash or escape.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Run away (v): The verb form from which the noun is derived. It means to leave a place quickly or secretly.
  • He decided to run away from the difficult situation.
• Run off (v): To leave quickly or unexpectedly.
  • The thief ran off with the money.

Related Idioms

• Run away from one's problems: To avoid dealing with difficulties.
  • You can't just run away from your problems; you have to face them.
• Run away with the idea: To believe something too readily or hastily.
  • Don't run away with the idea that this will be easy.

Noun

1. the act of leaving (without permission) the place you are expected to be