amok
Amok (adv) means In a wild, uncontrolled, or violent manner (usually in the phrase "run amok"). Example: “The toddlers ran amok through the living room.”
How to use amok
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBehaving wildly and out of control, as in the fixed phrase "run amok".
Almost always used with "run" — "amok" rarely stands alone in modern English.
Word forms
more amok comparative, amoked past tense, amoks plural, amoks singular, most amok superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The toddlers ran _____ through the living room.
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.
Synonyms
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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.
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