riot

Everyday

1. A violent, noisy disturbance by a crowd of people in a public place. tree →
2. Verb: to take part in such a disturbance. tree →
3. (informal) A very funny or fun person or event: The party was a riot. tree →
4. «A riot of colour»: a very bright mix of colours. tree →
5. «Run riot»: to behave wildly without control, or to grow wildly. tree →

In the lessons

In history and news a riot shows anger and breaking the law; police in riot gear try to stop it. In everyday talk «She's a riot!» means she is great fun. In gardens plants can «run riot». «Read the riot act» means to tell someone off strongly.

Examples

• Police were called to stop the riot. tree →
• The fans rioted after the match. tree →
• Your birthday party was a riot! tree →
• The garden was a riot of colour in spring. tree →
• The children ran riot when the teacher left the room. tree →
• Mum read us the riot act about the mess. tree →

Note

Adjective: riotous; person: rioter. Being near a riot is dangerous — move away and stay safe.