sprint
This word carries a sense of urgent, explosive energy and temporary maximum effort. It describes a burst of speed that is unsustainable over long periods, contrasting with the steady pace of jogging or running. The feeling is one of intensity, breathlessness, and a clear, immediate goal.
In modern professional contexts, particularly in software development and project management, the term has shifted to describe a set period of time during which specific work must be completed. In this sense, it retains the idea of a focused, high-intensity push toward a milestone, though the physical act of running is absent.
Countable when referring to a single race or a specific burst of speed. Uncountable when referring to the general activity or technique of sprinting.
Meanings
Examples
The athlete began to sprint toward the finish line.
He sprinted the final hundred meters in record time.
The runner finished with a powerful sprint.
Phrasal Verbs
sprint off
to suddenly run away from a place at high speed
The startled cat sprinted off into the bushes.
sprint back
to run quickly to a previous location
After realizing he forgot his keys, he had to sprint back to the house.
sprint ahead
to run faster than others to take the lead
The lead runner managed to sprint ahead of the pack in the final lap.