rout
UK: raʊt | US: raʊt
n. a disorderly retreat or defeat of an armed force
vt. to defeat decisively and force into disorderly retreat
n. a large, noisy crowd or gathering (archaic)
The word "rout" traces back to Old French route, meaning "a broken group" or "disorderly flight," derived from Latin rupta (feminine past participle of rumpere, "to break"). The sense evolved from "a broken group of soldiers" to "a disorderly retreat" and later generalized to any overwhelming defeat. The archaic meaning of "a noisy crowd" reflects its earlier association with disorganized groups.
The army suffered a humiliating rout and fled the battlefield.
The protesters were routed by police after hours of confrontation.
In medieval texts, a "rout" often described a raucous peasant gathering.
The general’s strategy prevented a total rout of his forces.
The team’s poor performance led to a 10–0 rout by their rivals.