adv
amok
uh-MOK
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.”
adv
1
In a wild, uncontrolled, or violent manner (usually in the phrase "run amok").
"The toddlers ran amok through the living room."
"Rumors ran amok on social media within hours."
How to use amok
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBehaving wildly and out of control, as in the fixed phrase "run amok".
Common mistake
Almost always used with "run" — "amok" rarely stands alone in modern English.
Common pairings
run amok
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Word forms
- Plural
- amoks
- Third person singular
- amoks
- Past tense
- amoked
- Comparative
- more amok
- Superlative
- most amok
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.
Class of 1500
amok joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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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