rampage
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a period of time when someone or something moves through a place in a violent and uncontrolled way.
a course of violent, frenzied, or destructive action, often involving a large area or multiple victims.
Simple“The angry elephant went on a rampage through the village, knocking down several small buildings.”
In context“The rioters went on a destructive rampage through the city center, shattering storefront windows and setting fire to parked vehicles.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'on a rampage' or 'on the rampage'.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
a period of wild partying or very heavy drinking.
a period of unrestrained partying or a drinking binge. Informal in register.
Simple“After the exams were over, the students went on a three-day rampage in the city.”
In context“The celebratory rampage following the festival left the town square littered with debris and empty bottles.”
“People are coming to take photos of the green-painted house, which kept the Pyakurel family safe as the area all around them was destroyed by rampaging floodwaters.”
“Another new case was brought by a grade seven teacher named Deidre Rushlow, who hid under her desk with her students during the rampage.”
From Scots rampage, equivalent to ramp + -age. Perhaps influenced by Middle English rampnen (“to force, ram”), from Old English hrampian, from Proto-West Germanic hrampōn (“to obstruct, hinder”), see ramp.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.