English Reference

Word

rioting

Phoneticsri·ot·ing

US/ˈɹaɪətɪŋ/

UK/ɹˈaɪətɪŋ/

Definition

n. 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.

Examples

“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.”

Examples

simple

“The city was quiet after three days of rioting.”

contextual

“The government declared a state of emergency to stop the rioting that broke out after the controversial election results.”

complex

“Sociologists often distinguish between spontaneous rioting sparked by a specific grievance and more organized forms of civil unrest that target systemic political structures.”

Real-World Examples

“It has so far arrested 39 people in connection with the rioting.”
BBC News · 22 Aug 2026

Word family

riotNounriotingNoun

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/rioting

English Reference