Dictionary
ri•ot
Pronunciation: (rī'ut), [key]—
n.
1. a noisy, violent public disorder caused by a group or crowd of persons, as by a crowd protesting against another group, a government policy, etc., in the streets.
2. Law.a disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons acting together in a disrupting and tumultuous manner in carrying out their private purposes.
3. violent or wild disorder or confusion.
4. a brilliant display:
a riot of color.
5. something or someone hilariously funny:
You were a riot at the party.
6. unrestrained revelry.
7. an unbridled outbreak, as of emotions, passions, etc.
8. Archaic.loose, wanton living; profligacy.
9. run riot,
a. to act without control or restraint:
The neighbors let their children run riot.
b. to grow luxuriantly or abundantly:
Crab grass is running riot in our lawn.
—
v.i.
1. to take part in a riot or disorderly public outbreak.
2. to live in a loose or wanton manner; indulge in unrestrained revelry:
Many of the Roman emperors rioted notoriously.
3. Hunting.(of a hound or pack) to pursue an animal other than the intended quarry.
4. to indulge unrestrainedly; run riot.
—
v.t.
to spend (money, time, etc.) in riotous living (usually fol. by
away or
out).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
