PhrasesHub

Run amok

    Definitions

      • behave uncontrollably or in a wild manner
        Describe someone acting in a reckless or disorderly way, often causing chaos or destruction

      • go berserk
        Describe a person losing self-control and behaving aggressively or violently

    Examples of Run amok

    • The students in the classroom suddenly started acting wildly and destroying school property, causing chaos and mayhem. The teacher immediately called out, "What's going on in here? Have you all gone run amok?"

      "Run amok" is a phrasal verb that originated from the Malay word 'amok', meaning 'releasing one's anger'. In this context, it is used to describe a situation where a group of people, usually in response to a trigger or provocation, suddenly and wildly lose control and act in a destructive and uncontrollable manner. This expression is often used to describe unruly behavior or situations that have spiraled out of control.

    • The businessman's presentation that was supposed to convince the investors fell apart when he started stammering and tripping over his words. The investors looked on in disbelief as the businessman's uncontrollable nerves caused him to run amok on the stage.

      This example shows how "run amok" can be used figuratively to describe someone who is losing control due to overwhelming emotions or anxiety. In this case, the businessman's frayed nerves caused him to lose his composure and behave erratically, thus "running amok" during the presentation.

    • The overzealous salesman's constant hassling and pushing of his products on the customer resulted in the customer finally losing his temper and shouting, "Enough! You're running amok!"

      This example illustrates how "run amok" can be used to describe someone's persistent and relentless actions, particularly when they begin to border on being excessive or overly aggressive. In this context, the customer's outburst served as a warning to the salesman to moderate his conduct or risk causing further harm.Run amok is a vivid and powerful expression that evokes vivid images of wild and uncontrollable behavior. It is a useful idiom to help us understand and describe situations involving extreme and chaotic behavior, either in their physical or metaphorical forms. Its connection to the Malay language also adds to its rich and interesting cultural history.

    • The students in the classroom were getting increasingly restless, and suddenly, a fight broke out. Chaos ensued, with papers flying and shouting matching the decibel level of a crowded street. The teacher tried to regain control, but the students seemed to have run amok, their wild behavior showing no signs of abating.

      The idiom "run amok" is of Malay origin and means to go on a violent rampage or lose control in a wild and uncontrollable manner. In this context, the students' unruly behavior has reached a level of chaos and disorder, with no apparent means of correcting their actions.

    • Despite the heavy security presence, a group of protesters stormed the parliament building, breaking windows and damaging furniture. The country's lawmakers were left stunned as the rioters, emboldened by their success, continued to run amok, making it clear that they would not be stopped until their demands were met.

      In this instance, the idiom is being used to describe a situation in which a group of people have suddenly and unexpectedly turned violent, causing widespread destruction and disorder. The term highlights the sense of uncontrollable behavior that characterizes such situations.

    • In the aftermath of the earthquake, the looting began. Shattered storefronts were broken into, and items were stolen willy-nilly as the people of the city struggled to come to terms with the devastation that had befallen them. In the confusion, it seemed as though the city had itself run amok, as law and order took a backseat to the desperate needs of the survivors.

      Here, the phrase "run amok" is being used to describe a situation in which the usual order and restraint have broken down, leaving people to act impulsively and without restraint. It highlights the sense of chaos and uncontrollability that characterizes such scenarios.Note: The examples provided highlight the versatility of the idiom and its ability to convey a wide range of meanings. It can be used to describe violent or chaotic situations, as well as those in which people seem to have lost all sense of control. By applying the idiom to different scenarios, we see how it can be used to convey different shades of meaning, all of which contribute to a richer and more nuanced understanding of the English language.

    • The stage actor suddenly lost his cool and began running wildly through the audience, causing panic and chaos.

      In this example, the phrase "ran amok" is being used figuratively to describe someone behaving wildly and uncontrollably in a public setting. The term "amok" has its roots in the Malay word for "frenzied" and was originally used to describe a warrior running through a village, killing everyone in his path. Today, the phrase is commonly used to describe anyone behaving in a similarly destructive manner.

    • The stock market plunged unexpectedly, with prices dropping precipitously and sending traders into a frenzy.

      In this example, the phrase "ran amok" is being used metaphorically to describe a chaotic and unpredictable event. The idea is that the market is behaving in a wild and uncontrollable manner, just as a person might run amok in a crowded public space. The phrase is used to emphasize the unexpected and rapid nature of the event, as well as the havoc and destruction that it is causing.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "run amok" is used to describe someone behaving in a wild, uncontrollable, or violent manner. It can refer to both physical actions and emotional reactions, indicating a lack of restraint or self-control. This idiom is often used to emphasize a sense of chaos, disorder, or unpredictability in someone's behavior.

    People may use "run amok" to describe a situation where someone is acting recklessly or causing disruption, whether it's due to anger, frustration, or simply losing control. It's a vivid way to convey the idea of someone behaving in an extreme or irrational manner.

    Origin of "Run amok"

    The phrase "run amok" has its origins in Malay culture, specifically the Malay word "amuk," which means to make a furious and desperate charge. Historically, the term was used to describe a sudden frenzy or rampage by a person or group, often resulting in violent behavior and chaos.

    The concept of "amok" was first documented by European explorers in the 16th century, who encountered it during their travels to Southeast Asia. Over time, the term "run amok" entered the English language as a way to describe someone behaving in a frenzied, uncontrollable manner. Today, it's a widely recognized idiom used to convey the idea of reckless or violent behavior.