Langimage
English

amok

|a/mok|

B2

🇺🇸

/əˈmʌk/

🇬🇧

/əˈmɒk/

uncontrolled chaos

Etymology
Etymology Information

'amok' originates from Malay, specifically the word 'amuk', where 'amuk' meant 'to attack furiously'.

Historical Evolution

'amuk' transformed into the Portuguese word 'amouco', and eventually became the modern English word 'amok' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to attack furiously', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'uncontrolled behavior'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

behaving uncontrollably and disruptively.

The situation was amok with confusion and panic.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adverb 1

in a frenzied, uncontrolled, or chaotic manner.

The crowd ran amok after the announcement.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/02/02 16:56