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run away from

B1 neutral inseparable transitive

to escape from someone or something, or to avoid facing a problem

In plain English

to get away from something, or not deal with it

What does "run away from" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B1 neutral

to leave or escape from a person, place, or danger by running

"The horse ran away from the stable during the storm."

inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

to avoid dealing with a difficult situation, emotion, or responsibility

"You can't keep running away from your problems forever."

You can run, but you can't hide.

— Common proverb/pop-culture line
inseparable
Usage tip

Common both literally and figuratively. The figurative use often suggests fear, weakness, or refusal to face responsibility.

Words that pair with "run away from"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

home problem responsibility danger past truth

How to conjugate "run away from"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
run away from
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs away from
he/she/it
Past simple
ran away from
yesterday
Past participle
run away from
have + pp
-ing form
running away from
continuous

Hear "run away from" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "run away from" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "run away from"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

avoid escape from flee from hide from shy away from

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