In a violently reckless or uncontrolled manner, typically used in the phrase 'run amuck' meaning to behave wildly or dangerously.
From Malay amok or amuk, borrowed into English in the 17th century when European traders encountered Southeast Asian warriors. Originally referred to a state of violent frenzy in Malay culture.
The Malay amok was a real cultural phenomenon—warriors in a trance-like state would attack indiscriminately, and European colonizers were fascinated and terrified by it, popularizing the word!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.