Definition of: riot

(rī′ət) noun
1. A disturbance consisting of wild and turbulent conduct of a large number of persons, as a mob; uproar; tumult.
2. Law Specifically, a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more assembled persons who, in the execution of some private object, do an act, lawful or unlawful, in a manner calculated to terrorize the people.
3. A state of confusion; a jumble: The garden was a riot of color.
4. Boisterous festivity; revelry.
5. U.S. Slang An uproariously amusing person, thing, or performance. See synonyms under REVOLUTION, TUMULT.
—to run riot
1. To act or move wildly and without restraint.
2. To grow rankly, as vines.
—v.i.
1. To take part in a riot or public disorder.
2. To live a life of unrestrained feasting, drinking, etc.; revel.
—v.t.
3. To spend (time, money, etc.) in riot or revelry. [<OF riote <rioter, prob. dim. of ruir make an uproar <L rugire roar]
—ri′ot·er noun