Rout

Rout is a noun and verb in English with several related senses. As a noun, it denotes a disorderly flight or dispersion of an armed force or group from battle or confrontation, typically resulting from a collapse of discipline and morale rather than a planned retreat. As a verb, to rout means to defeat decisively or to drive into a disorderly retreat; it can be used transitively (to rout an opponent) or intransitively (to rout in battle). The term can be used metaphorically to describe overwhelming defeat in nonmilitary contexts.

In military usage, a rout implies the loss of centralized command, rapid withdrawal, and pursuit by the victor. It contrasts with a strategic withdrawal or retreat, which is planned and orderly. The occurrence of a rout can alter campaigns and have lasting strategic effects, influencing morale and political consequences.

In sports and competitive contexts, a rout refers to a lopsided victory by a large margin, such as a game decided early or a score significantly higher than the opponent. The term is common in journalism and fan discourse and may carry a negative connotation toward the defeated side.

Rout can also appear in broader rhetoric to describe any overwhelming defeat of ideas, teams, or candidates. The word’s usage emphasizes scale and abruptness rather than the mere fact of defeat, and it is generally avoided in formal or measured analysis when a milder term is available.