amok

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective frenzied as if possessed by a demon
  2. adverb wildly; without self-control
  3. adverb in a murderous frenzy

Etymology

Borrowed from Portuguese amouco, from Malay amuk (“to go on a killing spree”). The term first appeared in English around the 16th century, associated with the people of Malaysia and Java, first described in the 1516 text The Book of Duarte Barbosa, which was translated to English by Henry E. J. Stanley.

In classic literature

Synonyms

amuck, berserk, demoniac, demoniacal, possessed

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