spree

¹

[ spree ]

noun

1. a lively frolic or outing.
2. a bout or spell of drinking to intoxication; binge; carousal.
3. a period, spell, or bout of indulgence, as of a particular wish, craving, or whim:

   an eating spree; a spending spree.

4. a period or outburst of extreme activity:

   the team’s scoring spree;

   no motive for his killing spree.

Spree

²

[ shprey ]

noun

1. a river in E Germany, flowing N through Berlin to the Havel River. 220 miles (354 km) long.

spree

/ spriː /

noun

1. a session of considerable overindulgence, esp in drinking, squandering money, etc
2. a romp

Word History and Origins

Origin of spree¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of spree¹

C19: perhaps changed from Scottish spreath plundered cattle, ultimately from Latin praeda booty

Example Sentences

We should absolutely expect a spree of political prosecutions under an Attorney General Gaetz.

From Slate

In October, a knife attack at a top school in Beijing injured five people, while in September, a man went on a stabbing spree at a supermarket in Shanghai, killing three people and injuring several others.

From BBC

It would also prevent another federal execution spree such as that carried out in the Trump administration.

From Slate

Preventing another gruesome Trump execution spree is one final thing the president has the power to do.

From Slate

In September, a man went on a stabbing spree at a supermarket in Shanghai, killing three people and injuring several others.

From BBC

Related Words

• binge
• celebration
• orgy
• rampage