hit-and-run
Americanadjective
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guilty of fleeing the scene of an accident or injury one has caused, especially a vehicular accident, thereby attempting to evade being identified and held responsible.
a hit-and-run driver.
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involving or resulting from such action or conduct.
hit-and-run fatalities.
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Baseball. pertaining to or noting a play in which, to get a head start, a base runner begins to run to the next base as the pitcher delivers the ball to the batter, who must try to hit it in order to protect the runner.
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marked by taking flight immediately after a quick, concentrated attack.
a hit-and-run raid.
verb (used without object)
adjective
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involved in or denoting a motor-vehicle accident in which the driver leaves the scene without stopping to give assistance, inform the police, etc
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( as noun )
a hit-and-run
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(of an attack, raid, etc) relying on surprise allied to a rapid departure from the scene of operations for the desired effect
hit-and-run tactics
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baseball denoting a play in which a base runner begins to run as the pitcher throws the ball to the batter
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of hit-and-run
An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His is more of a hit and run strategy.
From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026
Even when you think it’s hit and run and it’s supposed to not mean anything, the effort not to make it mean something is meaningful.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2024
The Lincolnton Police Department charged Daniel Gonzalez, 68, of Hickory with felony hit and run for Sunday’s violent crash that sent the six victims to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
From Washington Times • Aug. 1, 2023
The spokesperson said the hit and run was only property damage and no injuries occurred.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 13, 2023
Jab and run, dodge, forget the combinations, one punch at a time, two jabs, hit and run, stick and move, don't get too close too long.
From "The Contender" by Robert Lipsyte
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
