A stampede is a sudden, wild rush of a large group of animals or people, usually running in panic. It can be very dangerous because of the speed, weight, and lack of control.
From American Spanish “estampida” meaning “crash, uproar, stampede,” from “estampar” meaning “to stamp, press.” The word was adopted into English in the 19th century in the context of cattle and wild herds.
In a stampede, the real danger isn’t anger but fear—each animal or person is mostly trying not to get crushed. We now use “online stampede” or “shopping stampede” for sudden rushes of people chasing deals, not escaping predators.
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