amuck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "amuck" is correct and usable in written English, though it is often used in the form "run amok." You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something is behaving in a chaotic, uncontrolled, or reckless manner.
Example: "The children ran amuck in the playground, causing a delightful mess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

He called it an example of globalisation run amuck.

The Economist

After describing the struggles of a young writer in New York City, Wolfe's roman a clef segues into one of American literature's most eloquent condemnations of capitalism run amuck.

Britannica

The case of a woman whose living room was invaded by a street car that had run amuck.

The New Yorker

Animals & birds have been injured but not by the sound itself - only because they panicked & ran amuck.

The New Yorker

Like so many invasive species that now run amuck on islands around the world, mongooses were intentionally introduced to Hawaii.

The New York Times

The tears of rage and of frustration, she said, are nothing more than emotions run amuck in a brain that is not yet capable of self-regulation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Perhaps the defining moment for this interpretation was Jones's Duck Amuck (1953), in which an omnipotent animator torments Daffy by shuffling him between quickly changing backgrounds, dropping props in and out of the scene, and even briefly erasing him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His profusely illustrated autobiography, Chuck Amuck, appeared in 1990 and was a critically praised best-seller.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Movies Cartoonatics The series "Chuck Amuck," at BAM Cinématek, joins three programs of the legendary Looney Tunes director Chuck Jones's inspired whimsy with films that Jones inspired, including "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and "Gremlins 2: The New Batch".

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet The series "Chuck Amuck," at BAM Cinématek, joins three programs of the legendary Looney Tunes director Chuck Jones's inspired whimsy with films that Jones inspired, including "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and "Gremlins 2: The New Batch".

The New Yorker

(Scott) Film Series 'Chuck Amuck' (Friday through Monday) BAMcinématek observes the 100th anniversary of the birth of Chuck Jones, animator extraordinaire, with three programs of his classic Warner Brothers cartoons, presented in scarce 35-millimeter prints.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "amuck" to vividly describe situations where something or someone is behaving in a frenzied and uncontrolled manner, creating a strong image of chaos. The common form is "run amok".

Common error

Avoid using "amuck" in contexts that simply require a description of something being 'out of control'. "Amuck" implies a more violent or destructive form of chaos.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "amuck" typically modifies a verb, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It is most often used with the verb "run" to form the idiom "run amok", indicating a state of frenzied or uncontrolled behavior. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "amuck" is an adverb primarily used to describe uncontrolled, chaotic behavior, most often in the idiom "run amok". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and sees frequent usage, especially in news and media. When using "amuck", be mindful of its connotation, which suggests a more intense form of chaos than simply being 'out of control'. While related phrases like "rampant" or "gone wild" may suit certain contexts, "amuck" delivers a vivid and impactful image of disorder.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run riot

Similar to "amuck" but often used to describe a group acting wildly; slightly more focused on disorder.

gone wild

Suggests a sudden shift to unrestrained or chaotic behavior; more informal than "amuck".

on a rampage

Implies destructive and violent behavior; stronger connotation of aggression than "amuck".

out of control

Indicates a loss of regulation or restraint, applicable to various situations; broader meaning than "amuck".

berserk

Indicates a state of violent or destructive frenzy; emphasizes the loss of control.

rampant

Describes something spreading uncontrollably, often with negative connotations; less focused on violence than "amuck".

uncontrolled

Similar to 'out of control,' emphasizing the lack of management or regulation.

in a frenzy

Focuses on the emotional state of being uncontrollably excited or agitated; highlights the intensity of the behavior.

unrestrained

Highlights the lack of control or limitation; more general than "amuck".

haywire

Describes a situation or mechanism that has gone awry or is malfunctioning; more specific to systems or devices.

FAQs

How to use "amuck" in a sentence?

The word "amuck" is often used after the verb "run", as in "run amok". For example, "The children ran amok in the house while their parents were away".

What does it mean to "run amok"?

To "run amok" means to behave uncontrollably and disruptively. It often suggests a violent or chaotic outburst.

What can I say instead of "run amok"?

You can use alternatives like "run wild", "go berserk", or "become uncontrolled" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "run amuck" or "run amok"?

"Run amok" is the more commonly used and accepted form. While "run amuck" is understandable, it is less frequent.