riot

riot [rī′ət]

n.

[ME < OFr riote < rihoter, to make a disturbance]

1. wild or violent disorder, confusion, or disturbance; tumult; uproar

2. a violent public disturbance of the peace, by a number of persons (specified, in law, usually as three or more) assembled together

3. an unrestrained outburst, as of laughter

4. a brilliant, vivid display [a riot of color]

5. Now Rare

a) wild, loose living; debauchery

b) unrestrained revelry

c) a wild, noisy feast or revel

☆ 6. Informal an extremely amusing person, thing, or event

vi.

[ME rioten < OFr rihoter]

1. to take part in a tumult or disturbance of the peace

2. Now Rare

a) to live in a wild, loose manner

b) to engage in unrestrained revelry

c) to indulge without restraint; revel (in something)

vt.

Now Rare to waste (money, time, etc.) in disorderly or profligate living

to waste (money, time, etc.) in disorderly or profligate living

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run riot [orig. of dogs barking on the wrong scent]

1. to run wild; act without restraint, control, or discipline

2. to grow in luxuriance or profusion

rioter

n.