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amok

adverb

/əˈmɒk/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of amok

In a state of chaotic and uncontrollable frenzy or disorderly behavior.
"The mob ran amok, ransacking stores and setting fires in the streets."

Detailed meaning of amok

When a situation or individual is described as going "amok," it signifies a sudden and violent outburst of irrational and destructive actions. This term is often used to depict instances where a person or a group loses control of their emotions or actions, resulting in a rampage or tumultuous episode. For example, someone may describe a protest or a crowd that turns violent and destructive as "going amok." It is a term that conveys a sense of disorder, turmoil, and unruliness, emphasizing the frenzied and often dangerous nature of the situation or behavior.

Example sentences containing amok

1. When the alarm sounded, people ran amok, causing panic in the crowd.
2. The unruly protesters began to behave amok, vandalizing property.
3. After the referee's controversial call, the soccer fans went amok.
4. The wildfire spread amok, engulfing everything in its path.
5. During the riot, looters ran amok, stealing from stores.
6. The stock market sometimes goes amok, causing financial turmoil.

History and etymology of amok

The adverb 'amok' finds its etymological roots in the Malay language, specifically from the word 'amuk,' which means 'attacking furiously' or 'to go on a violent rampage.' It was originally used to describe a culturally specific phenomenon observed in Southeast Asia, where individuals would suddenly become overwhelmed by intense emotional distress, often in response to perceived slights or grievances. During these episodes, they would go on a rampage, attacking indiscriminately. The term 'amok' made its way into the English language in the 17th century, primarily through accounts of European travelers and colonists in the region. Over time, it evolved to describe any situation or individual engaged in frenzied and disorderly behavior, irrespective of cultural context.

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Further usage examples of amok

1. When tempers flared, arguments could quickly turn amok.
2. In the chaos, traffic went amok, leading to gridlock.
3. After the earthquake, the city was in disarray, with buildings leaning amok.
4. During the storm, debris flew amok, posing danger to residents.
5. In a computer virus outbreak, systems can go amok, disrupting operations.
6. Police from the neighboring city were called after rioters run amok in the streets.
7. The children run amok when a bumblebee flew in through the window.
8. Her children run amok around the house for hours.
9. Rioters run amok in the shopping centre, looting anything of value.
10. The teacher returned to find her students were running amok in the classroom.
11. A pack of wild dogs ran amok in in the local park.
12. A monkey escaped from the zoo and run amok amongst the visitors.
13. Drunken supporters run amok after their team scored the winning goal.
14. Drunken revellers run amok after being asked to leave the bar.
15. The soldier ran amok, firing his rifle indiscriminately and causing chaos in the streets.
16. The school was put on lockdown after a student ran amok, threatening to harm his classmates.
17. The mother was beside herself with worry when her child ran amok, refusing to listen to reason.
18. The scientist ran amok in the lab, tearing apart equipment and yelling incoherently.
19. The animal rights activist ran amok, releasing all the animals from the zoo.
20. The dictator ran amok, ordering the execution of anyone who opposed him.
21. The virus ran amok, infecting thousands and spreading rapidly throughout the country.
22. The storm ran amok, causing widespread damage and leaving many people homeless.
23. The man ran amok, smashing everything in his path with a baseball bat.
24. The terrorist group vowed to run amok, causing chaos and destruction in the city.