riot
n.-
1 violent public disturbance (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea situation where a large group of people behaves in a violent way in public, often damaging buildings or fighting.
a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by a large group of people, typically involving violence and property damage.
ExampleThe city was quiet for days after the violent riot in the town square.
ExampleThe government declared a state of emergency following a series of riots that broke out in response to the new tax laws.
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2 a bright variety (n.) C1 Advanced Literarya large and beautiful variety of something, especially colours or flowers.
a vivid, unconstrained, or impressive variety of something, often used to describe visual displays.
ExampleIn the spring, the garden is a riot of colour with all the different flowers.
ExampleThe artist's later works are a riot of textures and shapes, marking a departure from his earlier, more minimalist style.
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3 someone very funny (n.) C1 Advanced Informala person or an event that is very funny or entertaining.
a person, thing, or situation that is remarkably humorous or entertaining.
ExampleYou should meet my cousin; he is a total riot at parties.
ExampleThe comedy show was a complete riot, leaving the audience exhausted from laughing for two hours straight.
From Middle English riot (“debauched living, dissipation”), from Old French riote (“debate”), from rioter (“to quarrel”), perhaps related to riboter or from Latin rugio (“I roar”). Compare French riotte and Occitan riòta.