rampage

[ram-peyj, ram-peyj, ram-peyj]

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.

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

verb

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

noun

1. angry or destructive behaviour

2. behaving violently or destructively

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rampage¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rampage¹

C18: from Scottish, of uncertain origin; perhaps based on _ramp

Idioms and Phrases

see on a rampage.

Example Sentences

Eventually she develops feelings for Aguni and even shields his body from harm from one of the kings on a rampage.

From Salon

Between Del Toro’s two rampaging performances here and in this year’s “The Phoenician Scheme,” I’m convinced there’s nothing nicer than gliding in his wake as he barges through the world.

From Los Angeles Times

In Root's defence, on his first tour he was a rookie exposed to a rampaging Mitchell Johnson, and in his next two he was an over-worked captain.

From BBC

Generally regarded as the best dozen ever assembled, with 11 players having won major titles, the US rampaged to an 18½-9½ victory at Walton Heath in Surrey.

From BBC

Agents staged highly performative “shows of force” and rampaged through fields and factories, gathering up everyone they could find.

From Salon

Related Words

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