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)

stampeded, stampeding 

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)

stampeded, stampeding 

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

Other Word Forms

• stampeder noun
• unstampeded 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

In an animated version of a frantic stampede, many of the animals escape by leaping the final mound of stones at the end of a kite.

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But soon enough, the stampede settles down and each cow does its own thing -- some progressing at a steady pace, others curiously approaching the crowd of thousands lining the undulating, circular course.

Read more on Barron's

And on Friday, at the state funeral in another Nairobi stadium, led by President William Ruto, a stampede of mourners killed at least two people and left dozens injured.

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On March 16, a fire at a hip-hop concert in the eastern town of Kocani triggered a stampede in the overcrowded nightclub, leaving dozens dead and injuring nearly 200.

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If the Fed shows any signs of wavering on rate cuts, expect that to become a stampede.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• panic