Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

amok

/əˈmɒk/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 2.77 in modern English

Syllables
amok
IPA
/əˈmɒk/
10
Scrabble Score
4
Letters
2
Syllables
4
Unique Chars

Meaning

adv

In a frenzy of violence, or on a killing spree; berserk.

noun

One who runs amok; in Malay and Moro/Philippine culture, one who attempts to kill many others, especially expecting that they will be killed themselves.

noun

The act of running amok.

verb

Synonym of run amok.

Example Sentences

Etymology

Borrowed from Portuguese amouco, from Malay amuk (“to go on a killing spree”). The term first appeared in English around the 16th century, associated with the people of Malaysia and Java, first described in the 1516 text The Book of Duarte Barbosa, which was translated to English by Henry E. J. Stanley.

Word Breakdown

Usage

Inflected Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce amok?
The recorded pronunciation is /əˈmɒk/.
What does amok mean?
Out of control, especially when armed and dangerous.
Where does amok come from?
Borrowed from Portuguese amouco, from Malay amuk (“to go on a killing spree”). The term first appeared in English around the 16th century, associated with the people of Malaysia and Java, first described in the 1516 text The Book of Duarte Barbosa, which was translated to English by Henry E. J. Stanley.

How to pronounce amok

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “amok”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/əˈmɒk/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “amok”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “amok” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.