1 C1 idiomatic slang
(AAVE slang) To approach someone suddenly, often with aggressive or threatening intent
"Don't run up on me like that — you nearly gave me a heart attack."
inseparable
run up on
C1 slang inseparable transitive
(Slang, AAVE) To approach someone suddenly and aggressively, often to confront or attack them
In plain English
To quickly go up to someone in an aggressive or threatening way
What does "run up on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To run up to someone — the physical action is transparent but the aggressive connotation is idiomatic
Actually means
To quickly go up to someone in an aggressive or threatening way
Usage tip
AAVE slang, common in urban settings and rap/hip-hop culture. Implies a sudden, often threatening approach. Can also be used more casually to mean simply approaching someone quickly. Context determines the level of threat.
Words that pair with "run up on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
someone enemy stranger crew opponent
How to conjugate "run up on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
run up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs up on
he/she/it
Past simple
ran up on
yesterday
Past participle
run up on
have + pp
-ing form
running up on
continuous
Hear "run up on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "run up on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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