run rampant: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘run rampant’ mean?
"Run rampant" is an idiom that means to spread or grow quickly and uncontrollably, often in a negative or destructive way.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take by storm" means to conquer or overcome something quickly and easily, typically by using force, enthusiasm, or popularity.
The idiom "run someone ragged" means to exhaust or wear someone out completely.
The idiom "run scared" means to feel fearful or panicked, usually because of a perceived threat or danger. It is often used to describe someone who is in a state of heightened anxiety and is acting out of fear.
"Run riot" is an idiom that means to behave in a wild or uncontrolled manner, often causing chaos or disorder.
Run riot is a common idiom in English that dates back to the 18th century. It refers to the uncontrolled growth or behavior of plants, animals, or people. When something or someone is said to "run riot," it means they are out of control and causing a disruption.
The idiom "run past" means to quickly mention or discuss something without going into detail or providing much information.
The idiom "run over" means to hit or knock down someone or something with a vehicle. It can also refer to reviewing or reiterating something quickly, and it is often used to describe time that exceeds the original plan.
The idiom "run on" means to continue speaking without pausing or to continue happening without stopping. It can also refer to a sentence that is too long and lacks proper punctuation.
The idiom "run off with" means to leave quickly and unexpectedly with someone or something, often in a secretive or unauthorized manner. It implies a sense of impulsiveness and abandonment, suggesting a departure without prior notice or agreement.
The idiom "run off" means to leave quickly or flee.
Unrestrained Havoc
The idiom "run wild" is closely related to "run rampant" in terms of conveying a sense of unchecked movement or behavior. While "run rampant" emphasizes the idea of spreading quickly and without restraint, "run wild" focuses more on the untamed or uncontrolled aspect. This idiom is often used to describe situations or individuals that exhibit a lack of restraint or discipline, behaving in an uninhibited or excessively free manner.
An example of "run wild" could be seen in a group of children let loose in a playground, where they are free to play and move about without any rules or restrictions. Their energy and enthusiasm may cause them to run wild, engaging in energetic and uninhibited activities, such as climbing, running, and playing games without any concern for order or caution.
Similarly, the idiom "run amok" shares similarities with "run rampant." "Run amok" describes a situation where someone is behaving or acting in an uncontrolled, violent, or irrational manner. This idiom originates from the Malay word "amuk," meaning "to attack furiously." In contemporary usage, "run amok" is often used to depict acts of aggression, frenzy, or uncontrolled violence.
A person running amok may exhibit extreme aggression and engage in dangerous or harmful behavior, often targeting others without any clear motivation or purpose. The idiom conveys the idea of someone losing control over their actions and unleashing chaos and violence upon their surroundings, much like when a wild animal goes on a rampage.
Another related idiom is "run riot," which bears a resemblance to both "run rampant" and "run wild" in terms of conveying a lack of restraint or control. "Run riot" is used to describe situations, events, or behaviors that are characterized by unruliness, disorder, or excessive activity.
When something is said to run riot, it means that it is completely uncontrolled, exceeding the usual or desired limits. This idiom can be used to describe various scenarios, such as a child's imagination running riot during playtime, or creativity running riot in an artist's mind. It can also be used to signify disorder or chaos in a more general sense, such as when a protest or demonstration runs riot, leading to violence or destruction.
Lastly, the idiom "run about" is another phrase that shares similarities with "run rampant." While "run rampant" implies unrestricted proliferation or movement, "run about" signifies constant activity, often in a hurried or bustling manner. This idiom is frequently used to describe individuals or groups engaged in frantic or purposeful movement within a limited space.
Imagine a busy marketplace, where vendors are running about, setting up their stalls, attending to customers, and transporting goods back and forth. The constant movement and busy atmosphere create a sense of vitality and energy, with everyone hurrying or scurrying about to accomplish their respective tasks.
Overall, these related idioms - "run wild," "run amok," "run riot," and "run about" - share thematic parallels with "run rampant," focusing on different aspects of uncontrolled or excessive behavior or movement. These idioms vividly capture the essence of chaos, disorder, and unrestrained proliferation, painting evocative pictures of untamed forces and energetic activities.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom run rampant can be used in a sentence:
- The virus ran rampant through the city, infecting thousands of people.
- Without proper supervision, children can run rampant and cause chaos.
- Misinformation on social media can run rampant, leading to false beliefs and confusion.
More "Verbs" idioms
