amuk

Amuk is a term used in Malay and Indonesian languages to describe a mass act of violence by a crowd, often directed against people or property. The word functions as a noun for the event and as a verb in forms like mengamuk, meaning to rampage or go berserk. In English, the phrase to go amok (or to run amok) derives from this usage and describes a sudden, violent outburst by an individual or group.

Etymology and usage: The term originated in Malay and Indonesian, where amuk historically described a frenzy or attack by a crowd or individual triggered by anger, grievance, or fear. The expression run amok entered Western languages during colonial-era contact and has since become idiomatic for unrestrained violence.

Contemporary usage: In Indonesian and Malaysian media, amuk is used to denote a mob attack or rampage, sometimes described with accompanying terms such as amukan massa (mass frenzy). Such events are typically violent and chaotic, reflecting crowd dynamics rather than a premeditated, coordinated assault.

See also: mob mentality; riot; crowd psychology; amok (English).