Run after

verb

To chase or pursue someone or something.

The boy ran after the dog that had stolen his sandwich.
Visual representation of "run after" - to chase or pursue someone or something

Often appears as...

  • run after a ball
  • run after a bus
verb

To try very hard to get or achieve something.

She's constantly running after money and power.
Visual representation of "run after" - to try very hard to get or achieve something

Often appears as...

  • run after success
  • run after fame

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To be attracted to or in love with (someone).

She's always running after bad boys.
Visual representation of "run after" - to be attracted to or in love with (someone)

Often appears as...

  • run after girls
  • run after boys

Usage tips

Neutral

Colloquial

verb

To chase or pursue someone or something.

The boy ran after the dog that had stolen his sandwich.
Visual representation of "run after" - to chase or pursue someone or something

Often appears as...

  • run after a ball
  • run after a bus
verb

To try very hard to get or achieve something.

She's constantly running after money and power.
Visual representation of "run after" - to try very hard to get or achieve something

Often appears as...

  • run after success
  • run after fame

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To be attracted to or in love with (someone).

She's always running after bad boys.
Visual representation of "run after" - to be attracted to or in love with (someone)

Often appears as...

  • run after girls
  • run after boys

Usage tips

Neutral

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "run after"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Pursuit

Often used to describe a literal sprint or action to catch something.

Illustration for Physical Pursuit
The policeman had to run after the thief who snatched the purse.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Urgency Implied

Indicates a sense of urgency or need to catch up with someone or something.

Illustration for Urgency Implied
He had to run after the departing train as it was his last chance to get home.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Immediate Response

Used when immediate action is required in response to a sudden event.

Illustration for Immediate Response
Upon seeing her toddler wander off, she ran after him.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Pursuit

Often used to describe a literal sprint or action to catch something.

Illustration for Physical Pursuit
The policeman had to run after the thief who snatched the purse.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Urgency Implied

Indicates a sense of urgency or need to catch up with someone or something.

Illustration for Urgency Implied
He had to run after the departing train as it was his last chance to get home.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Immediate Response

Used when immediate action is required in response to a sudden event.

Illustration for Immediate Response
Upon seeing her toddler wander off, she ran after him.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Pursuit

Often used to describe a literal sprint or action to catch something.

Illustration for Physical Pursuit
The policeman had to run after the thief who snatched the purse.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Urgency Implied

Indicates a sense of urgency or need to catch up with someone or something.

Illustration for Urgency Implied
He had to run after the departing train as it was his last chance to get home.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Immediate Response

Used when immediate action is required in response to a sudden event.

Illustration for Immediate Response
Upon seeing her toddler wander off, she ran after him.
Visual representation of the word "Run after"

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