- Meaning
- This idiom describes behaving wildly, uncontrollably, or destructively, often in a frenzied or chaotic manner, as if running rampant without restraint. It conveys a loss of control or reason, typically used in social, historical, or descriptive contexts to highlight disorderly or violent actions, sometimes with a sense of panic or rebellion. The phrase carries a tone of alarm, critique, or vivid depiction, reflecting cultural fascination with chaos and the human potential for unrestrained behavior under stress or provocation. It resonates in scenarios of upheaval or frenzy, capturing the energy of unchecked impulses, and its exotic origins add a layer of cultural intrigue, evoking a distant, intense tradition. The idiom often implies a disruptive or dangerous state, making it a striking metaphor for chaos or rebellion, whether literal or figurative.
- Origin
- The phrase originated in the 16th century, derived from the Malay word *amuk*, meaning a frenzied, murderous rampage, often associated with warriors in a trance-like state, as documented by Portuguese explorers in Southeast Asia. Its English use emerged in the 17th century, with an early appearance in John Dryden’s 1672 *The Conquest of Granada*, describing a character ‘running amok’ in battle. The idiom gained traction in 18th-century Britain, reflecting colonial encounters with Malay culture, as seen in travelogues and Daniel Defoe’s *Robinson Crusoe* (1719). Its use grew in 19th-century British and American literature, particularly in adventure and colonial narratives, with Rudyard Kipling’s *Kim* (1901) using it for chaotic scenes. The phrase’s adoption was amplified in the 20th century through media, notably in war and crime reporting, as seen in *The New York Times* during the 1920s. Its spread to Commonwealth English came through British colonial influence, and its vivid imagery, evoking a frenzied rampage, and its applicability to chaos ensured its enduring use across English-speaking cultures, from historical accounts to modern chaos.
- Variants
-
- Run amok
- Running amok
- Run amuck
- Go amok
- Examples
-
- The kids ran amok in the house, turning it into a mess.
- Running amok, the crowd surged through the festival in chaos.
- Run amuck, they did, ignoring rules during the protest.
- Go amok, and you’ll ruin the event with reckless behavior.
- The meeting ran amok when arguments spiraled out of control.
- Running amok, the fans stormed the field after the victory.
|