Meaning
Out of control, especially when armed and dangerous.
Etymology
Origin: Portuguese
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.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 7 recorded puzzles: