riot
pronunciation
How to pronounce riot in British English:
UK [ˈraɪət]
How to pronounce riot in American English:
US [ˈraɪət]
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- Noun:
- a public act of violence by an unruly mob
- a state of disorder involving group violence
- a joke that seems extremely funny
- a wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity
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- Verb:
- take part in a riot; disturb the public peace by engaging in a riot
- engage in boisterous, drunken merry-making
Word Origin
- riot (n.)
- c. 1200, "debauchery, extravagance, wanton living," from Old French riote (12c.) "dispute, quarrel, (tedious) talk, chattering, argument, domestic strife," also a euphemism for "sexual intercourse," of uncertain origin. Compare Medieval Latin riota "quarrel, dispute, uproar, riot." Perhaps from Latin rugire "to roar." Meaning "public disturbance" is first recorded late 14c. Meaning "something spectacularly successful" first recorded 1909 in theater slang. Run riot is first recorded 1520s, a metaphoric extension from Middle English meaning in reference to hounds following the wrong scent. The Riot Act, part of which must be read to a mob before active measures can be taken, was passed 1714 (1 Geo. I, st.2, c.5). Riot girl and alternative form riot grrl first recorded 1992.
- riot (v.)
- late 14c., "behave in a dissolute manner, engage in loose revelry," from Old French rioter "chatter, dispute, quarrel," from riote (see riot (n.)). Meaning "take part in a public disturbance" is from 1755. Related: Rioted; rioting.
Antonym
Example
- 1. Riot police fired tear-gas and sound grenades .
- 2. In beijing , they riot because they cannot buy them .
- 3. After the riot , 32 people were taken into police custody .
- 4. Otherwise the riot was conducted after the most scientific military tactics .
- 5. Governor tancredi has lost all patience with pope and his handling of the riot .