riot
UK: ˈraɪət | US: ˈraɪət
n. a violent disturbance by a crowd; a public uproar
n. a vivid or chaotic display (e.g., "a riot of color")
vi. to take part in a violent public disturbance
The word "riot" traces back to Old French riote ("dispute, quarrel"), though its deeper roots are uncertain. It may derive from Latin rugire ("to roar"), reflecting the noisy chaos of unrest. By the 14th century, it evolved to mean "public disorder." The modern sense of a violent crowd disturbance solidified in Early Modern English. The morpheme -ot serves as a noun-forming suffix, while ri- carries the core idea of conflict or uproar.
The protest turned into a riot after police used tear gas.
Her garden was a riot of blooming tulips in spring.
Fans rioted in the streets when their team won the championship.
The government imposed a curfew to prevent further riots.
The comedian’s jokes caused a riot of laughter in the audience.