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to run down
[phrase form: run]
01
to use up all of one's energy, especially to the point of stopping or ceasing to function
Transitive: to run down sb
Examples
Continuous stress can run you down and lead to health problems.
The busy schedule ran her down, and she needed a good night's sleep.
02
to injure or kill by knocking someone or something down and passing over their body, as with a vehicle
Transitive: to run down sb/sth
Examples
The reckless driver nearly ran the pedestrian down at the crosswalk.
Unfortunately, a bicyclist was run down by a speeding truck on the highway.
03
to speak negatively about someone or something in a way that makes them seem inferior or weak
Transitive: to run down sb/sth
Examples
She ran down the new policy, questioning its effectiveness during the meeting.
Please do n't run down your colleagues; it's essential to maintain a positive work environment.
04
to investigate the details or origins of something
Transitive: to run down details of something
Examples
The detective needed to run down the leads to solve the case.
She decided to run down the source of the mysterious phone calls.
05
to quickly assess something with little time or attention
Transitive: to run down sth
Examples
She ran down the list of items before leaving the house.
Let's run down the key points of the presentation before the conference.
06
to chase with the intention of capturing or apprehending
Transitive: to run down sb
Examples
The police officer ran down the suspect through the crowded streets.
She ran the criminal down and made an arrest after a brief pursuit.
07
to reduce the quantity or resources of something
Transitive: to run down a resource or its quality
Examples
The constant use of the equipment ran down its efficiency over time.
Let's not run the supplies down; we need to order more for the project.
08
to operate a machine or device until it stops working because of a lack of power or energy
Transitive: to run down a machine or device
Examples
He ran down the battery of his smartphone by constantly using it without recharging.
Please do n't run down the camera; it needs to be recharged for tomorrow's event.
run down
01
being in a state of low energy or reduced strength, often caused by prolonged effort or illness
Examples
After working twelve hours straight, she felt completely run down.
The patient looked run down after days of high fever.
