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Synonyms for run riot

Grammar : Verb
Spell : rahy-uht
Phonetic Transcription : ˈraɪ ət

Définition of run riot

Origin :
  • c.1200, "debauchery, extravagance, wanton living," from Old French riote (12c.) "dispute, quarrel, (tedious) talk, chattering, argument, domestic strife," also a euphemism for "sexual intercourse," of uncertain origin. Cf. Medieval Latin riota "quarrel, dispute, uproar, riot." Perhaps from Latin rugire "to roar." Meaning "public disturbance" is first recorded late 14c. Meaning "something spectacularly successful" first recorded 1909 in theater slang.
  • Run riot is first recorded 1520s, a metaphoric extension from Middle English meaning in reference to hounds following the wrong scent. The Riot Act, part of which must be read to a mob before active measures can be taken, was passed 1714 (1 Geo. I, st.2, c.5). Riot girl and alternative form riot grrl first recorded 1992.
  • verb run wild
Example sentences :
  • She might run riot, contract debts, and waste his substance.
  • Extract from : « Life And Adventures Of Martin Chuzzlewit » by Charles Dickens
  • Destruction had run riot along the walls of this parish church.
  • Extract from : « Leading Articles on Various Subjects » by Hugh Miller
  • The whole truth is that they are gay, and Honora quiet; they encourage her to run riot.
  • Extract from : « Hopes and Fears » by Charlotte M. Yonge
  • Without it, like these foolish children, we might run riot in all iniquity.'
  • Extract from : « Aurelian » by William Ware
  • On these evening rides she allowed her imagination to run riot.
  • Extract from : « Desert Conquest » by A. M. Chisholm
  • They blaze on every mantel and run riot through all the rooms.
  • Extract from : « Revolution and Other Essays » by Jack London
  • It had been painted on board, and the artist had allowed his colours to run riot.
  • Extract from : « Pincher Martin, O.D. » by H. Taprell Dorling
  • He unleashed that tendency that is within us all and let it run riot to the limit.
  • Extract from : « Uncle Sam Detective » by William Atherton Du Puy
  • The amateur should make sure of that before he allows his "feelings" to run riot.
  • Extract from : « Piano Playing » by Josef Hofmann
  • Can you wonder, then, that he is inclined to run riot outside?
  • Extract from : « A Gallant Grenadier » by F.S. Brereton

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019