rampage
Americannoun
-
violent or excited behavior that is reckless, uncontrolled, or destructive.
-
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)
verb
noun
-
angry or destructive behaviour
-
behaving violently or destructively
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of rampage
Explanation
A rampage is when a group of people is destructive and out of control, like an angry, violent riot following an unpopular political decision. A single individual can go on a rampage, wreaking havoc and destruction, but the word most often describes the actions of an angry mob. You can also use rampage as a verb, as when furious football fans rampage through a town overturning cars and setting things on fire. The word was originally Scottish, from the Middle English ramp, "rave or rush wildly about."
Vocabulary lists containing rampage
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Stellantis is expanding its global pickup portfolio, renewing Fiat models and introducing a new Ram Rampage to North America.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
But the AFL’s troubles really became clear when the Iowa Rampage, which defeated the Marshals in South Dakota in its first game, announced that the team would be shutting down and ceasing operations entirely.
From Slate • Jun. 1, 2024
Action is split into different types of quests such as Rampage where a player defends Kamura against a wave of monsters.
From Washington Times • Feb. 23, 2023
“I’m seeing a lot of Vive Maria, Rampage, INC, Diesel, and designer tops like D&G corsets and Dior baby tees,” says Depop seller Krystina Jackson, 28, of Windsor, Conn., in an email.
From Washington Post • Jan. 7, 2023
Mrs. Rampage occupies a prominent place in local Temperance movements.
From Reginald by Saki
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
