Run amok

verb

To behave or run around in a wild, uncontrolled, or destructive way.

When she left her children alone, they started to run amok.

Often appears as...

children run amok
emotions run amok

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

In the world of technology, it refers to a program or system malfunctioning or operating in an unrestrained or chaotic manner.

A software bug caused the computer system to run amok.

Visual representation of "run amok" - In the world of technology, it refers to a program or system malfunctioning or operating in an unrestrained or chaotic manner

Often appears as...

system run amok
program run amok

Usage tips

Technical

verb

In a legal or professional setting, it describes when a person or entity begins to act in a destructive or harmful manner outside of established norms or rules.

The company ran amok of regulations and cause extensive environmental damage.

Visual representation of "run amok" - In a legal or professional setting, it describes when a person or entity begins to act in a destructive or harmful manner outside of established norms or rules

Often appears as...

company run amok
regulation run amok

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Academic

verb

To behave or run around in a wild, uncontrolled, or destructive way.

When she left her children alone, they started to run amok.

Often appears as...

children run amok
emotions run amok

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

In the world of technology, it refers to a program or system malfunctioning or operating in an unrestrained or chaotic manner.

A software bug caused the computer system to run amok.

Often appears as...

system run amok
program run amok

Usage tips

Technical

verb

In a legal or professional setting, it describes when a person or entity begins to act in a destructive or harmful manner outside of established norms or rules.

The company ran amok of regulations and cause extensive environmental damage.

Often appears as...

company run amok
regulation run amok

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Academic

Definition 1 of 3

Pro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Indicates loss of control, often leading to trouble or chaos.

The party went wrong when the guests started to run amok.

Pro Tip 2/3

Common in Narratives

Used in stories to describe scenes of confusion or pandemonium.

Aliens landed, and the townspeople ran amok in the streets.

Pro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

Often used to express overwhelming emotions or thoughts.

After the breakup, his thoughts ran amok, leaving him distraught.

Pro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Indicates loss of control, often leading to trouble or chaos.

The party went wrong when the guests started to run amok.

Pro Tip 2/3

Common in Narratives

Used in stories to describe scenes of confusion or pandemonium.

Aliens landed, and the townspeople ran amok in the streets.

Pro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

Often used to express overwhelming emotions or thoughts.

After the breakup, his thoughts ran amok, leaving him distraught.

Pro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Indicates loss of control, often leading to trouble or chaos.

The party went wrong when the guests started to run amok.

Pro Tip 2/3

Common in Narratives

Used in stories to describe scenes of confusion or pandemonium.

Aliens landed, and the townspeople ran amok in the streets.

Pro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

Often used to express overwhelming emotions or thoughts.

After the breakup, his thoughts ran amok, leaving him distraught.

Visual representation of the word "Run amok"

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