amok: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, journalistic. Often used in set phrases.
Quick answer
What does “amok” mean?
A state of frenzied, uncontrolled, and violent behaviour, often involving indiscriminate killing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of frenzied, uncontrolled, and violent behaviour, often involving indiscriminate killing.
To act in a wildly uncontrolled, chaotic, or frenzied manner, often with destructive consequences; can be used metaphorically for non-violent but chaotic activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'run amok' predominantly. The spelling 'amuck' is an archaic variant, slightly more common in historical American texts but now rare everywhere.
Connotations
Identical. Carries strong connotations of sudden, irrational, and destructive frenzy.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but understood. More likely found in news reports, historical accounts, or descriptive prose than in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “amok” in a Sentence
[Subject] run/go amok[Subject] run amok in/through/across [Location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amok” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The protesters ran amok, vandalising several shops in the high street.
- Without the manager present, the staff ran amok and the meeting descended into chaos.
American English
- After the championship win, fans ran amok downtown, overturning cars. (US: downtown)
- The new virus ran amok through the unprotected computer systems.
adverb
British English
- He charged amok through the crowd. (Archaic/poetic)
- The dogs raced amok across the field.
American English
- She drove amok through the parking lot. (Archaic/poetic)
- The rumours spread amok on social media.
adjective
British English
- The amok gunman was eventually subdued by police. (Rare, attributive use)
- Reports described an amok frenzy lasting nearly an hour.
American English
- The town lived in fear of another amok attack. (Rare)
- He was in an amok state, beyond reason.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'After the software update failed, bugs ran amok through the entire network.'
Academic
Used in anthropological, historical, or psychological contexts to describe specific cultural syndromes or historical events of mass violence.
Everyday
Rare in casual speech. Possible: 'The kids ran amok while the babysitter was on the phone.'
Technical
In psychiatry, refers to 'Amok syndrome', a culture-bound syndrome of sudden mass assault.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amok”
- Using it as a standalone verb: 'He amoked through the town.' (Incorrect) It must be 'ran amok'.
- Using it as a noun: 'He went into an amok.' (Incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'amock'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Amok' is the standard modern spelling. 'Amuck' is an older, phonetic variant that is now considered archaic but may be found in older texts or used for stylistic effect.
No. 'Amok' functions primarily as an adverb in the fixed phrase 'run amok' or 'go amok'. It is not used as an infinitive verb ('to amok').
It originates from the Malay/Indonesian word 'amuk', meaning 'to make a furious and desperate charge'. It entered English via Portuguese in the 17th century, often in descriptions of Southeast Asian warriors.
Not exclusively. While its core meaning involves violence, it is commonly used metaphorically in modern English to describe any force or phenomenon that spreads chaotically and uncontrollably (e.g., 'rumours ran amok', 'weeds ran amok in the garden').
A state of frenzied, uncontrolled, and violent behaviour, often involving indiscriminate killing.
Amok is usually formal, literary, journalistic. often used in set phrases. in register.
Amok: in British English it is pronounced /əˈmɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run amok”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A MOnster Kills' – the first letters spell AMOK, reminding you of the violent, monster-like frenzy.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOSS OF CONTROL IS A RUNAWAY FORCE / CHAOS IS A WILD ANIMAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'amok' used CORRECTLY?