run down etymology

Etymology:

• Run (verb): Old English "rynan," meaning "to flow, move quickly."
• Down (adverb/preposition): Old English "dūn," meaning "downward, below."

Meaning:

• Run down (phrasal verb):
  • To become fatigued or exhausted.
  • To deteriorate in condition or quality.
  • To search or track someone down.
  • To criticize or disparage.

Origin:

The phrasal verb "run down" originated in the 14th century, from the idea of running until one becomes tired or exhausted. Over time, the meaning expanded to include other senses, such as deterioration and searching.

The use of "down" in the phrasal verb suggests a downward movement or a reduction in something, such as energy, condition, or reputation.

Examples:

• "After a long day at work, I was completely run down."
• "The old car was starting to run down and needed repairs."
• "The police were trying to run down the suspect."
• "The politician's reputation was being run down by his opponents."

run down relate terms

• down

  Etymology The word down has origins in several Germanic languages Old English dun

• down

  Etymology The word down has origins in several Germanic languages Old English dun

• down

  Etymology The word down has origins in several Germanic languages Old English dun

• run down

  Etymology Run verb Old English rynan meaning to flow move quickly Down adver

• derelict

  Etymology The word derelict comes from the Latin word derelinquere which means to

• woebegone

  Etymology The word woebegone is derived from Middle English wo be gon which litera

• heel

  Etymology The word heel derives from the Old English word hǣl which is of uncertain o

• fail

  Etymology The word fail traces its origins back to the Latin verb fallere meaning

• gantlet

  Etymology Old French gantelet diminutive of gant glove Medieval Latin gantulus

• roue

  Etymology The word roue in French has its origins in the Latin word rota which mean

• ground

  Etymology The word ground has several origins Old English grund meaning soil

• oven

  Etymology From Middle English ovene from Old French ovne from Vulgar Latin ŏfnus fr

• Antioch

  Etymology Greek Αντιόχεια Antiókheia Meaning By Victory or Fortres

• blue

  Etymology The word blue originates from the Middle English blewe which in turn is de