Stampeded

To stampede is to cause a sudden, uncontrolled rush of animals or people, often in a panicked or frightened state. It can also refer to a widespread, overwhelming rush or surge, whether literal or figurative. This typically involves a disorganized and chaotic movement, driven by fear, excitement, or some other strong impulse. The act implies a loss of individual control and a collective drive toward a single, often unpredictable, direction. The intensity of the stampede varies depending on the context, from a minor flurry to a potentially dangerous and destructive surge. It can apply to physical movements or more abstract phenomena like the rush to buy a product during a sale or a sudden surge of interest in a trend. The core concept is a collective loss of individual restraint in response to a powerful stimulus.

Stampeded meaning with examples

• The herd of terrified bison stampeded across the plains, fleeing the wildfire's advancing flames. The sheer force of the stampede shattered fences and uprooted trees as they desperately sought safety. The cowboys struggled to regain control, but it was almost impossible against the overwhelming panic of the animals.
• News of the free concert caused fans to stampede toward the entrance, resulting in a dangerous crush. Security personnel were quickly overwhelmed by the surging crowd, and several people were injured in the ensuing chaos. The organizers were forced to shut down the entrance to prevent further incidents.
• As soon as the doors opened, shoppers stampeded into the department store for the Black Friday sale. The frenzied customers battled each other for discounted items, creating a scene of pandemonium and disregard for personal space. The retail environment rapidly devolved.
• A sudden announcement of a market crash caused investors to stampede out of their stocks, leading to a sharp decline in the market's value. The fear of further losses fueled the selling frenzy. Analysts predicted that the stampede would worsen the overall economic outlook.
• The viral video of the celebrity's appearance caused fans to stampede to social media, overloading the servers with comments and messages. The immense popularity caused platforms to struggle to manage the massive influx of activity, causing lag and crashes.