run amuck
Lose all control
To run amuck is to behave wildly and destructively, often attacking indiscriminately: The gunman ran amuck in the shopping mall.
More loosely, it describes anything that has gone out of control: Weeds ran amuck in the garden.
Also spelled *run amok*—the Malay-derived spelling that's now more common.
Violent disorder and destruction
- pandemoniumState of utter confusion
- bedlamState of wild disorder
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
- anarchyDisorder from absent authority
commotion · upheaval · madhouse · tumult · uproar · disorder · disarray · confusion
Violent offensive act
- attackAggressive act against another
- aggressionHostile or attacking behavior
- brutalitySavage, merciless behavior
- rampageViolent, destructive outburst
brawl · riot · onslaught · outburst · rage · fury · wrath · hostile
mayhem
Violent disorder and destruction
- pandemoniumState of utter confusion
- bedlamState of wild disorder
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
anarchy · commotion · upheaval · madhouse · tumult · uproar · disorder · disarray · confusion · lawlessness
assault
Violent offensive act
- attackAggressive act against another
- aggressionHostile or attacking behavior
- brutalitySavage, merciless behavior
rampage · brawl · riot · onslaught · outburst · rage · fury · wrath · hostile · threatening
berserk
Wildly, violently uncontrolled
- rampageViolent, destructive outburst
- wildNot domesticated or controlled
- uncontrolledLacking any regulation
hysteria · mania · delirium · feverish · frenzied · manic · crazed · possessed · unhinged · overwrought
havoc
Widespread destruction and chaos
- devastationSevere widespread destruction
- wreckageDestroyed remains of something
- ruinComplete destruction or collapse
carnage · demolition · vandalism · pillage · sabotage · damage · rampage · wrecking · smashing · breaking
run amuckstay calm
Remain unruffled
keep cool · behave oneself · keep it together · hold back · keep one's cool