riot

/ˈraɪət/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈraɪət/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈrī-ət/ (ame, mw) · /ˈraɪ.ət/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈraɪ.ət/ (ame, ipa)

riot — noun

1. an event where a crowd of people outdoors acts destructively — throwing objects,

1.名詞B2
釋義

an event where a crowd of people outdoors acts destructively — throwing objects, setting fires, or fighting — often during a protest

例句

A riot broke out in the capital after the election results were announced on Friday.

common collocation: riot breaks out

The police used tear gas to control the riot that had spread across the central square.

同義詞
  • uprising

    has a political goal of overthrowing authority, not just chaotic violence

  • disturbance

    a milder term that can describe any disruption of peace, not necessarily violent

反義詞

文法句型

a riot

riots

用法筆記

Commonly appears with verbs like 'break out', 'erupt', or 'spark'. The people involved are called 'rioters'.

常見錯誤

❌The protest was a riot' (when meaning it was peaceful).
✅A protest can turn into a riot if people become violent.
💡'riot' always involves violence or destruction, not just disagreement.

2. someone or something that is extremely funny and makes people laugh a lot

2.名詞C1
釋義

someone or something that is extremely funny and makes people laugh a lot

例句

You should invite Jude to the party — he is an absolute riot at every gathering.

collocation: absolute riot

That comedy film was a riot from start to finish.

同義詞
  • hoot

    equally informal; describes someone or something that causes laughter

  • comedian

    refers to a professional performer, not a naturally funny person

文法句型

be a riot

用法筆記

Always informal. Used only for people or events that are genuinely funny — never for serious or intense situations.

常見錯誤

❌Our boss is a riot' (when meaning strict or intense).
✅Our boss is a riot' (when meaning he makes everyone laugh).
💡This word only works for funny people, not impressive or frightening ones.

3. a large and often attractive mixture of many different colours, types, or shapes

3.名詞C1
釋義

a large and often attractive mixture of many different colours, types, or shapes appearing together

例句

The garden in spring is a riot of colour with tulips and cherry blossoms everywhere.

pattern: a riot of + colour/types

The artist's studio walls were a riot of paintings in every size and style imaginable.

同義詞
  • explosion

    suggests suddenness and intensity rather than a rich mixture

  • profusion

    formal; focuses on the large quantity rather than visual excitement

文法句型

a riot of something

用法筆記

Almost always followed by 'of' + a plural noun describing colour, sound, or visual elements. The tone is descriptive and often admiring.

常見錯誤

❌The room was a riot of one colour.
✅The room was a riot of different colours and patterns.
💡The word implies variety and abundance, not a single type.

riot — verb