run before
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To flee from (something); to run away from (something).
Register: archaic
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
In such wise did Helgi
Deal fear around To all his foes
And all their friends
As when the goat runneth
Before the wolf's rage
Filled with mad fear
Down from the fell
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To precede (something); to anticipate (something).
Register: archaic
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To excel or be better than someone.
Register: archaic
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “run before” mean?
To flee from (something); to run away from (something).
Is “run before” formal or informal?
run before is generally archaic.