riot

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A violent disturbance by a large, uncontrolled crowd of people.

   The peaceful protest turned into a riot after several days.

2. 2
   verb

   To take part in a violent public disturbance.

   Crowds rioted in the streets after the announcement.

3. 3
   noun

   A person or event that is extremely funny or entertaining.

   The comedian was an absolute riot last night.

4. 4
   noun

   An impressively large and varied display of something.

   In summer the garden is a riot of colour.

Common collocations

• riot police Adjective + noun

From Middle English riot (“debauched living, dissipation”), from Old French riote (“debate”), from rioter (“to quarrel”), perhaps related to riboter or from Latin rugio (“to roar”). Compare French riotte and Occitan riòta.

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