>With so many words which have too many meanings (and for "run", Merriam-Webster lists 15 meanings for intransitive, and 15 for transitive, plus "run acriss", "run a fever", "run after", "run against"... up to "run short of"), the listener is supposed to deduce the desired meaning from context.

How many does it give for the noun? In the plural, it's ideal for people who can't spell diarhorea, diaorrea, diharoea - ah "The Runs"!

>But then, it is too often that the context is just another word or two, with equally ambiguous set of meanings. "Press charges" - what, have the ammunition ironed? Or is it the gentlemen of the press charging their cell phones? No, they are jumping out of the trenches and attacking the enemy. No, no, the machine is accusing...

... Man, you're a pedantic sod, Dragan! :-) In the above example the context leaves ONLY ONE meaning - the children that are looked after by the place where you get your canteen food.

Terry