amok
7 synonyms for amok, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In a wild, uncontrolled, or violent manner (usually in the phrase "run amok").
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use amok
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
run amok
Etymology
Borrowed via Portuguese from Malay amuk, "to attack in a murderous frenzy" — the term entered English descriptions of Southeast Asia as early as the 1500s.
Full origin of amok →Frequently asked questions
What does “amok” mean?
The word “amok” means in a wild, uncontrolled, or violent manner (usually in the phrase "run amok"). In plain terms, behaving wildly and out of control, as in the fixed phrase "run amok".
How do you pronounce “amok”?
“Amok” is pronounced uh-MOK (/əˈmɒk/ in IPA).
How do you use “amok” in a sentence?
Here is “amok” used in a sentence: “The toddlers ran amok through the living room.”
What part of speech is “amok”?
“Amok” is an adverb.
Where does the word “amok” come from?
The word “amok” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Portuguese. Borrowed via Portuguese from Malay amuk, "to attack in a murderous frenzy" — the term entered English descriptions of Southeast Asia as early as the 1500s.
