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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

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stampede

IPA:

How to pronounce stampede (audio)

Dictionary definition of stampede

A sudden and frenzied rush of animals or people, often characterized by chaos and panic.
"The sudden stampede of wildebeests frightened the safari tourists."

Detailed meaning of stampede

In the context of animals, a stampede can occur when a group of animals, such as cattle or horses, become frightened or spooked by a perceived threat, such as a loud noise or predator. The resulting stampede can be dangerous and destructive, with animals running and trampling everything in their path. Similarly, a human stampede can occur in situations where large groups of people are gathered in a confined space, such as a stadium or concert venue, and a sudden disturbance, such as a fire or terrorist attack, causes panic and chaos. In these situations, people may become trapped, injured, or killed as they try to escape. Overall, the word "stampede" conveys a sense of sudden, uncontrollable movement and chaos, often in response to a perceived threat or danger.

Example sentences containing stampede

1. The sound of a gunshot caused a stampede among the startled animals.
2. The crowd erupted into a stampede as they rushed towards the stage.
3. The stampede at the concert resulted in several injuries.
4. The herd of elephants caused a stampede as they thundered through the savannah.
5. People screamed and ran in panic during the stampede at the stadium.
6. The stampede of shoppers on Black Friday was chaotic.

History and etymology of stampede

The noun 'stampede' originates from the Spanish word 'estampida,' which was used in the context of herding cattle. It entered the English language in the mid-19th century during the American cattle-driving era. 'Stampede' describes a sudden and frenzied rush of animals or people, often characterized by chaos and panic. The etymology of 'stampede' effectively conveys the idea of a mass movement that is as wild and unstoppable as a herd of stampeding cattle. Whether used to describe a stampede of wild animals, a stampede of shoppers on Black Friday, or a stampede of concertgoers rushing toward the stage, this term vividly portrays a scene of frenetic and often uncontrolled activity.

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Further usage examples of stampede

1. The stampede at the amusement park was quickly brought under control by the security team.
2. The stampede of wildebeests during the migration is a breathtaking sight.
3. The sudden loud noise sparked a stampede among the horses in the corral.
4. The stampede at the music festival led to a temporary suspension of the event.
5. The stampede outside the store was caused by a false alarm.
6. The stampede of fans rushing to meet their favorite celebrity was overwhelming.
7. The stampede at the train station resulted in several people getting trampled.
8. The stampede of protesters flooded the streets, demanding justice.
9. The stampede at the football stadium forced the game to be temporarily halted.
10. The stampede of bulls during the annual festival was a thrilling spectacle.
11. The stampede of runners surged forward as the starting gun went off.
12. The stampede of students rushing to get to class caused chaos in the hallway.
13. The stampede of customers trying to grab the limited-time offer caused a commotion in the store.
14. The stampede at the zoo created a dangerous situation for both visitors and animals.

Noise and Turmoil, Chaos and Disorder, Chaos and Disorder, Danger and Threat, Emotional Intensity and Reactions, Energy and Vitality, Occasions and Occurrences, Middle School 7, Chaos and Confusion

bolt,charge,flood,flow,influx,torrent

chase,crash,dash,flight,inundation,race,run,tide

rush, retreat, standstill, order

eb68db_e1e4d4d04130463ba23134dfda9e0796.mp3

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