AMOK Meaning and
Definition
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Amok, as a noun, refers to a sudden frenzy or a state of madness, typically characterized by an almost uncontrollable and violent outburst of physical aggression. This term finds its origin in Southeast Asian cultures, particularly in Malay society, where it was used to describe individuals who experienced bouts of violent and uncontrolled behavior. Traditionally, "amok" was linked to a condition called "running amok," which involved a person snapping and indiscriminately attacking others until they were subdued or killed.
In a broader sense, "amok" can also be used as an adverb or adjective in English, describing someone or something behaving in a wild, uncontrolled, or frenzied manner. For instance, it could be said of a frenzied crowd that they went amok, meaning they engaged in chaotic or violent behavior. Similarly, an amok gunman refers to an individual who exhibits a crazed and violent rampage.
The term "amok" has become more metaphorical in recent years, expanding its meaning beyond physical aggression. It can now be used to describe any extreme or uncontrolled behavior, such as a person going amok in a shopping spree, where they impulsively buy items without restraint. Furthermore, "amok" can be employed in a figurative sense to describe the frenzy or chaos that can occur in non-physical contexts, such as political environments or financial markets, where there is a lack of control or regulation.
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A psychic disturbance affecting members of the Malay race, in which the subject becomes acutely maniacal and runs through the streets with knife drawn ("running amok"), striking blindly at any one he meets; also written amuck.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Top Common Misspellings for AMOK *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for AMOK
Etymology of AMOK
The word "amok" is believed to have originated from the Malay language. It comes from the word "amuk", which means "attacking furiously" or "engaging in a killing spree". The term "amuk" itself is derived from the root word "muka", which means "face" or "in front of" in Malay. Therefore, "amok" conveys the idea of someone running wild and attacking others in a frenzied and uncontrollable manner. Over time, the term "amok" has entered English and other languages to describe a state of uncontrolled violence or a sudden outburst of rage.
Idioms with the word AMOK
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run amok
The idiom "run amok" refers to behaving uncontrollably, violently, or in a wild and disorganized manner. It describes a situation where someone or something becomes uncontrolled and goes on a rampage or becomes chaotic.
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go amok
The idiom "go amok" refers to someone acting in a frenzied or manic manner, often resulting in uncontrollable and violent behavior. It can also imply losing control, becoming extremely angry or agitated, and causing chaos or destruction.
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run amok (amuck)
The idiom "run amok (amuck)" means to behave in a wild, unruly, or uncontrolled manner, often causing chaos or confusion. It can refer to a person or a situation that has become uncontrollable or out of hand.
Similar spelling words for AMOK
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