amuck

(ə-mŭk', ə-mŏk')
adv.

1. In a frenzy to do violence or kill: rioters running amuck in the streets.
2. In or into a jumbled or confused state: The plans went amuck.
3. In or into an uncontrolled state or a state of extreme activity: “This jam-packed area of Honolulu has come to stand for tourist development run amok” (Ila Stanger).

adj.

Crazed with murderous frenzy: amuck troops.

[Malay amok.]

also amok

adjective

Out of control: runaway, uncontrolled. Idioms: out of hand, running wild. See control/uncontrol.

IN BRIEF: An episode of madness and violence.

We don't want everything to run amuck.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The adjective has one meaning:

Meaning #1: in a murderous frenzy as if possessed by a demon
  Synonyms: amok, berserk, demoniac, demoniacal, possessed

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The adverb amuck has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: wildly; without self-control
  Synonym: amok

Meaning #2: in a murderous frenzy
  Synonyms: amok, murderously
  Derived from adjective: amuck (meaning #1)

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