riot

/ˈraɪət/

/ˈraɪət/

Other forms: riots; rioting; rioted

A riot is a violent outburst by a crowd. When the principal didn't declare a snow day, even with five inches on the ground already, students rioted, gathering outside and throwing snowballs.

The meaning of riot has stretched over the years. You would say "She is a riot" about a funny or outrageous person. A loud clothing combination might represent a riot of texture and color. When something runs riot, it has been allowed to get out of control.

Definitions of riot

1. noun

   a state of disorder involving group violence
   synonyms: rioting

   type of:

   disorder

   a disturbance of the peace or of public order
2. noun

   a public act of violence by an unruly mob
   synonyms: public violence

   types:

   race riot

   a riot caused by hatred for one another of members of different races in the same community

   type of:

   force, violence

   an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
3. verb

   take part in a riot; disturb the public peace by engaging in a riot
   “Students were rioting everywhere in 1968”

   type of:

   rampage

   act violently, recklessly, or destructively
4. noun

   a wild gathering
   synonyms: bacchanal, bacchanalia, debauch, debauchery, drunken revelry, saturnalia

   type of:

   revel, revelry

   unrestrained merrymaking
5. verb

   celebrate or enjoy something in a noisy or wild way
   synonyms: carouse, roister

   type of:

   jollify, make happy, make merry, make whoopie, racket, revel, wassail, whoop it up

   celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; engage in uproarious festivities
6. noun

   a joke that seems extremely funny
   synonyms: belly laugh, howler, scream, sidesplitter, thigh-slapper, wow

   type of:

   gag, jape, jest, joke, laugh

   a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter