run

verb (OPERATE)

/rʌn/ (present participle running, past tense ran, past participle run)

Definition

B2 [I or T] to (cause something to) operate: Keep clear of the machines while they're running. The government took desperate measures to keep the economy running. Do you know how to run this sort of machinery? The mechanic asked me to run the engine (= switch it on and allow it to work) for a minute. They had the new computer system up and running (= working) within an hour. We've run the computer program, but nothing happens. We're running (= doing) an experiment.FunctioningPerforming a function B1 [T] to be in control of something: He's been running a restaurant/his own company since he left school. The local college runs (= provides) a course in self-defence. a well-run/badly-run organization/business/courseManaging and organizing run a tight ship › to control a business or other organization firmly and effectively: Ruth runs a tight ship and has no time for shirkers.Controlling and being in charge › [T] If you run a car, you own one, drive it, and pay for the costs: I can't afford to run a car.Driving and operating road vehicles › [T] to organize the way you live or work: Some people run their lives according to the movements of the stars.Managing and organizing

(Definition of run verb (OPERATE) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)