Run Amok vs Run Amuck (Differences, Meaning, Examples)

Is it run amok or run amuck? Amok is a Malay word used to describe chaos or chaotic situation. The adverbs amok and amuck are two synonyms for it. The idiom “run amok” refers to being out of control and is where they are most frequently used.

What Is The Meaning of the word “Amok?”

An adverb used to describe something out of control or chaotic is amok. Run amok or run amuck, both can be a verb phrase or an adverb phrase.

Amok is a mental state most often defined in psychiatry as an ethnic-specific syndrome characteristic of the inhabitants of Malaysia, the Philippines, and nearby regions, characterized by intense motor excitement, usually running and aggressive actions, and gratuitous attacks on people.

A characteristic feature of amok is that this condition is not controlled and is aimed at destroying objects and bringing physical injury, often fatal to people around. There are no apparent reasons for amok; some researchers believe this condition is associated with a partner’s betrayal.

The person who has been cheated on feels his inadequacy and is afraid of ridicule from others. Gradually, these emotions are replaced by hatred for others, and a compensatory mechanism of aggressive behavior comes into play.

Difference Between Run Amok and Run Amuck

Both “run amuck” and “run amok” are correct spelling. Run amuck used to be the more popular spelling.

Before the middle of the 20th century, the Malaysian loanword’s ancient alternate spelling, amuck, was widely used but has since lost use.

Although certain people still favor the latter spelling, edited literature in this century prefers amok.

How To Use The Word “Amuk”

Although some people continue to use the term “amuck,” the most common spelling is “amok.” The latter must be used in all circumstances.

See below for examples:

A crowd of demonstrators was running amuck in the streets of the old town when the police arrived.

The audience during the concert ran amuck since there were no clear instructions.

The customers ran amok when the restaurant caught fire and blocked the exit.

At the riot, protestors ran amuck and flung rocks, bottles, and sticks.

Since the teacher wasn’t there, the kids were running amuck in the class.

The pupils are running amuck at the club having a class party.

When they heard an explosion nearby, the scared mob ran amuck all over the place.

Amok Synonyms

The other words that can be used instead of amok are:

• Insane
• Out of control
• Wild
• Berserk
• Demoniac etc.