running amuck
Going violently berserk
Running amuck (also *running amok*) describes a sudden frenzy of violent or reckless behavior, often causing destruction or harm: The gunman ran amuck in the shopping center.
More loosely, it means going wildly out of control: Weeds were running amuck in the garden.
The phrase comes from Malay, where it originally described a murderous battle rage.
- freaking outLosing emotional control suddenly
- amokIn violent frenzy
- going crazyBecoming mentally unhinged
- going berserkLosing all control violently
- rampageViolent, destructive outburst
frenzy · havoc · pandemonium · berserk · upheaval · psychosis · bedlam · going haywire · off the rails · hysteria · thrashing · chaos · storming · smashing · folklore · tradition · mania · disruption
running amuckself-controlled
Having restraint over impulses
restrained · composed · disciplined · measured · controlled
running amuckcalm
Free from agitation
serene · tranquil · keeping cool · placid · peaceful
running amuckorderly
Arranged with care
law-abiding · well-behaved · civilized · conforming · toeing the line