rioting
n. uncountablen. a situation where a large group of people behaves in a violent and uncontrolled way in public. It often involves fighting with police or damaging buildings.
n. the act of participating in a violent public disturbance by a large group of people. Often involves civil disorder, property damage, and clashes with law enforcement.
The city was quiet after three days of rioting.
The government declared a state of emergency to stop the rioting that broke out after the controversial election results.
Sociologists often distinguish between spontaneous rioting sparked by a specific grievance and more organized forms of civil unrest that target systemic political structures.
Last updated May 7, 2026