Rampage
/ˈræm.peɪdʒ/noun
To move or act in a violent, uncontrolled way; also a violent spree.
Did you know?Rampage entered English in the 17th century from French, ultimately tied to a root meaning ‘to climb’ or ‘to scramble,’ so the word’s energy is literally upward, frantic motion turned destructive.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*rep-
“to rise, move upward, or climb”
Latin
Latin
repere
“to creep, crawl, or move along close to the ground”
Old French
Old French
ramper
“to crawl, climb, or scramble”
16th Century
French
rampage
“a furious rush or violent onslaught”
17th Century
English
rampage
“violent or reckless behavior; a destructive spree”
Modern English
English
rampage
“to act in a violent, uncontrolled way”