run rampant

run rampant

1. To behave or run around in a wild, unruly, out-of-control manner. After three days of driving, it was great to let the kids run rampant around the woods behind my parents' house. The bull ran rampant in the streets for several hours before they managed to subdue it.

2. To spread or grow unchecked, out of control, and/or chaotically. The wildfire ran rampant as strong winds fanned the flames and helped spread it across an ever-wider area. Corruption has run rampant in the country ever since the dictator assumed power.

See also: run

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

run rampant

to run, develop, or grow out of control. The children ran rampant through the house. Weeds have run rampant around the abandoned house.

See also: run

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.