amok

[ uh-muhk, uh-mok ]

noun

1. (among members of certain Southeast Asian cultures) a psychic disturbance characterized by depression followed by a manic urge to murder.

adjective

1. amuck.

amok

/ əˈmʌk; əˈmɒk; əˈmʌk /

noun

1. a state of murderous frenzy, originally observed among Malays

adverb

1. run amok
   to run about with or as if with a frenzied desire to kill

Word History and Origins

Origin of amok¹

First recorded in 1865–70, amok is from the Malay word amuk

Word History and Origins

Origin of amok¹

C17: from Malay amoq furious assault

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. run / go amok. amuck ( def 3 ).

Example Sentences

Trump has also fantasized about his own version of “the Purge” where his police and other right-wing street thugs can run amok, killing and brutalizing “the enemy” at will.

From Salon

Police are looking for a group of thieves that are apparently running amok across the city.

From Los Angeles Times

Was the decision to block an affordable housing project NIMBYism run amok in swanky Beverly Hills or the reasonable decision of city officials acting in good faith?

From Los Angeles Times

The works included in “Gas Station Dinner” showcase Escoto’s ability to flesh out his world, where “uncommonality becomes the mundane” and his devious characters are free to run amok.

From Los Angeles Times

At times I feel like we are in a simulation run amok.

From Salon