Riot

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɹaɪ.ət/

Definitions

1. A tumultuous assembly engaging in violent public disorder or unrestrained aggressive behavior, or something flourishing with unchecked abundance
2. A chaotic and violent public disturbance involving large groups, or an instance of uncontrolled growth and flourishing in a particular environment
3. An outbreak of violent and disorderly behavior among a crowd in public ; something showing extraordinary abundance or flamboyant display

Etymology: The original sense of "riot" was not violence at all but dissipation. In Middle English it meant "debauched living" or wasteful indulgence, and the idea of a crowd rampaging in the streets came later. The trail leads back to Old French, where "riote" meant "debate" or a quarrel, and the verb "rioter" meant "to quarrel." Over time the notion of a noisy argument grew into the notion of a noisy, unruly crowd, and the word shifted from private excess to public disorder. Its ultimate origin is uncertain. It may be related to a verb "riboter," or it may come from Latin "rugio," meaning "to roar," which would tie the word to the sound of shouting voices. Related forms appear in French "riotte" and Occitan "riòta," showing that the word travelled across these neighbouring languages before settling into English.

Synonyms: uproar, disturbance, tumult, commotion, insurrection

Antonyms: calm, peace, tranquility