stampede

4 definitions • 8 examples

an occasion when many large animals or many people suddenly all move quickly and in an uncontrolled way, usually in the same direction at the same time, especially because of fear:

Two shoppers were injured in the stampede as shop doors opened on the first day of the sale.

in North America, a public event that combines a rodeo (= an event in which cowboys show different skills by riding wild horses and catching cows with ropes), with other competitions, dancing, shows, etc.:

He introduced Calf Roping to the stampedes in North America.

The town is known for its annual rodeo and stampede.

When animals or people stampede, they all move quickly in the same direction, often because they are frightened:

A loud clap of thunder made the herd stampede.

stampede someone/something into something figurative No amount of pressure will stampede (= force) this committee into making hasty decisions.

a situation where a large group of frightened animals, esp. horses or cattle, or a large group of people, all run in the same direction:

The film clip showed a stampede of wild horses.

The government said that it would investigate the cause of the stampede and take action to prevent such disasters.

There was a stampede to the door.