stampede

[ stam-peed ]

noun

1. a sudden, frenzied rush or headlong flight of a herd of frightened animals, especially cattle or horses.
2. any headlong general flight or rush.
3. Western U.S., Canada. a celebration, usually held annually, combining a rodeo, contests, exhibitions, dancing, etc.

verb (used without object)

, stam·ped·ed, stam·ped·ing.

1. to scatter or flee in a stampede:

   People stampeded from the burning theater.

2. to make a general rush:

   On hearing of the sale, they stampeded to the store.

verb (used with object)

, stam·ped·ed, stam·ped·ing.

1. to cause to stampede.
2. to rush or overrun (a place):

   Customers stampeded the stores.

stampede

/ stæmˈpiːd /

noun

1. an impulsive headlong rush of startled cattle or horses
2. headlong rush of a crowd

   a stampede of shoppers

3. any sudden large-scale movement or other action, such as a rush of people to support a candidate
4. a rodeo event featuring fairground and social elements

verb

1. to run away or cause to run away in a stampede

Derived Forms

• stamˈpeder, noun

Other Words From

• stam·peder noun
• unstam·peded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stampede¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1815–25; from Spanish estampida, equivalent to estamp(ar) “to stamp” + -ida noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of stampede¹

C19: from American Spanish estampida , from Spanish: a din, from estampar to stamp, of Germanic origin; see stamp

Example Sentences

For both England Under-20s and Sale's senior side, his stampeding line breaks have become a familiar sight.

From BBC

"I have never known the cattle to stampede," he said.

From BBC

The IDF said most of the casualties were caused by a stampede as people rushed the trucks.

From BBC

No major politician is leading a charge against the tech monopolies today, although near election time there’s a stampede to Silicon Valley for campaign contributions.

From Los Angeles Times

He credited the crowd at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, for not panicking and causing a stampede.

From BBC

Related Words

• panic