Rundown/Run-Down/Run down

 

 

 

Paul/LeRoy, Michigan:  Can you explain the many meanings of the word rundown?  

 

 An interesting phrasal verb and/or adjective. It may signify collision, dilapidation, pursuit, summarization, reduction, timing, health, etc. And as this entry's title indicates, it may be spelled as a single word, a hyphenated word, or as two words. Always use a dictionary to see which is preferred for your context.

       

Here's what the Oxford English Dictionary has to offer:

 

·     √ A gradual and sustained reduction in the size or scope of an organization, enterprise, or activity.  1890 (The attempt to run down gasoline-powered cars is not going smoothly)

 

·     √  Procure:  (Can you run down some estimates for me?)

 

·    √  An attempt by two or more fielders to tag out a base runner who is trapped between two bases by throwing the ball from one to another.   1908

 

·     √ U.S. Horse Racing slang. A list of entries and current betting odds.  1931

 

·     √ A summary or brief account of pertinent facts, esp. one given verbally; a short description; a listing of items of information. 1943

 

·     √ Caribbean. A dish consisting of a boiled coconut sauce containing fish, chicken, vegetables, and/or other ingredients.  1943

 

·     √ To knock down  (run down by a horse or vehicle)  1686

 

·     √ To hunt or track 1650  (Javert did not rest until he had run down the suspect)

 

·     √ To disparage, denigrate, vilify   1671  (They will run down my reputation because they want me to lose my job)

 

·     √ Of a clock, clockwork mechanism, etc.: to lose its motive power, become unwound; to cease to go. 1665  (I was late for work because my alarm clock ran down overnight)

 

·     √Of a timer: to count down to zero 1899 (The bomb was rigged to explode when the timer ran down)

 

·     √ To slow play, esp. near the end of a game or match by a team that is in the lead. 1954   (They began to run down the clock when only one minute remained in the basketball game)

 

·     √ To decrease, diminish  1792 (Be careful not to let your blood sugar levels run down too far)

 

·     √ To become feeble, tired, weak,  1733  (If you’re feeling rundown, you should rest)

 

·     √ To deteriorate; to fall into disuse or decay; (of a building, etc.) to become dilapidated. 1843 (The building was so run down that they planned to demolish it)

 

·     √ To cause or allow (a battery, machine, etc.) to lose power or reduce output; to drain  1840 (If your battery runs down, you will have to find a jump-start)

 

                     Word Parts Dictionary, 3rd Edition