stampede

n. a situation where a large group of animals or people suddenly start running in the same direction, usually because they are scared.

n. a sudden, headlong rush of a herd of frightened animals or a crowd of people.

“The loud thunder caused a stampede among the cattle in the field.”

“Authorities were criticized for the lack of crowd control measures that might have prevented the fatal stampede during the music festival.”

n. a large public event or festival that features cowboy skills like riding horses and catching cattle.

n. a large-scale rodeo or festival featuring western-style equestrian and ranching skills.

“Thousands of tourists visit the city every July for the annual stampede.”

“The Calgary Stampede remains one of the most significant cultural and sporting events in Western Canada, drawing competitors from across the globe.”

American English · Dialect

v. to suddenly run together in a wild and uncontrolled way.

v. to move in a sudden, massed, and uncontrolled rush; can be used both transitively and intransitively.

“The crowd began to stampede toward the exit when they smelled smoke.”

“The sudden appearance of the predator stampeded the entire herd across the plains, leaving a trail of dust visible for miles.”

v. to pressure someone into making a decision or taking action too quickly.

v. to force or pressure a person or group into acting hastily or without due deliberation.

“Don't let the salesman stampede you into buying a car you don't need.”

“The opposition accused the government of trying to stampede the public into supporting the new law by using fear tactics.”

Informal