go amok

1. To behave or run around in a wild, unruly, out-of-control manner; to be or become crazy or chaotic. We tried to have some organized games for the kids, but they all started going amok as soon as they got here. The villagers were cleaning up debris for days after the bulls went amok through the streets. When I was growing up, kids had discipline and structure. These days, it feels like they're allowed to just go amok!

2. To become bad or go awry; to get out of control; to go haywire. This whole operation has gone amok. I don't know how we can be expected to finish by the deadline under these conditions. Well, the coffee pot has gone amok yet again. Maybe it's time to get a new one. The campaign has gone amok now that the manager has resigned.

3. dated To rush around in a violent, murderous frenzy. (Note: This is the phrase's original specific meaning, taken from Malay. "Amok" also has an older alternative spelling, "amuck.") Fueled by alcohol and cocaine, Dave went amok when his wife told him she'd been seeing someone else. Luckily, a neighbor called the police when they heard such a commotion. Members of the warrior clan were known to go amok on the battlefield in a bloodthirsty frenzy. Please do not let your men go amok and raze settlements. I want there to be civilized negotiation with the people on those lands.