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Definition of "riot" []

  • A wild or turbulent disturbance created by a large number of people. (noun)
  • Law A violent disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled for a common purpose. (noun)
  • An unrestrained outbreak, as of laughter or passions. (noun)
  • A profusion: The garden was a riot of colors in August. (noun)
  • Unrestrained merrymaking; revelry. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "riot" in a sentence
  • "This doesn't allow the police to make blanket requests-such as information about everyone in a particular area at a particular time, or everyone messaging the word "riot"-but it does mean that such evidence can be acquired about individuals identified in other ways CCTV, for example."
  • ""I think the term riot is a dangerous term to throw around," Freeman said."
  • "On New York Times, a series of pictures showing the riot is also criticized as catering to stereotypes and distorting facts."