rampage

American  

[ram-peyj, ram-peyj, ram-peyj] / ˈræm peɪdʒ, ræmˈpeɪdʒ, ˈræm peɪdʒ /

noun

1. violent or excited behavior that is reckless, uncontrolled, or destructive.

2. a state of violent anger or agitation.

   The smallest mistake sends him into a rampage. The river has gone on a rampage and flooded the countryside.

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verb (used without object)

rampaged, rampaging

1. to rush, move, or act furiously or violently.

   a bull elephant rampaging through the jungle.

   Synonyms:

   tear, rage, storm

rampage British  

verb

1. (intr) to rush about in an angry, violent, or agitated fashion

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noun

1. angry or destructive behaviour

2. behaving violently or destructively

rampage Idioms  

1. see on a rampage.

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Other Word Forms

• rampageous adjective
• rampageously adverb
• rampageousness noun
• rampager noun

Etymology

Origin of rampage

First recorded in 1705–15; ramp ¹ + -age

Example Sentences

Just as the trial for Samuel Patrick Groft was about to kick off, the 45-year-old instead pleaded no contest Wednesday to a slew of vandalism charges stemming from the seven-day slashing rampage.

From Los Angeles Times

I look around, but if the caramel leather box was here, Dad would have found it during his wild rampage.

From Literature

The showdown pits two players who are on rampaging form and yet to drop a set in Melbourne in the past fortnight.

From Barron's

Dickson survived the November rampage, concealing himself under a pile of baskets.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s why childhood vaccine rates in some places are plummeting and measles is on the rampage across the country.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• binge
• destruction
• disturbance
• frenzy
• orgy
• spree
• turmoil