stampede
A wild, headlong running away or scamper of a number of animals, usually caused by fright.
Then, like a stream of white bees pouring from a huge swarm, the steers stretched out from the main body. In a few moments, with astonishing rapidity, the whole herd got into motion. […] "It's a stampede, an' a hummer," said Lassiter. […] ["]That stampede will pass within a mile of us."
(by extension) A situation in which many people in a crowd are trying to move in the same direction at the same time, especially in consequence of a panic.
(by extension, Canada, US) An event at which cowboy skills are displayed; a rodeo.
(figurative) A sudden unconcerted acting together of a number of persons due to, or as if due to, some common impulse.
To cause (a drove or herd of animals) to run away or scamper in a wild, headlong manner, usually due to fright.
Cattle are usually quiet after dark. Still I've known even a coyote to stampede your white herd.
To cause animals (owned by a person) to run away or scamper in this manner.
(by extension) To cause (people in a crowd) to move in the same direction at the same time, especially due to panic.
(by extension) To cause (an individual) to act hastily or rashly.
(figurative) To cause (people) to act in a sudden unconcerted manner due to, or as if due to, some common impulse.
Of a drove or herd of animals: to run away or scamper in a wild, headlong manner, usually due to fright.
Miss Withersteen, let me get what boys I can gather, an' hold the white herd. It's on the slope now, not ten miles out—three thousand head, an' all steers. They're wild, an' likely to stampede at the pop of a jack-rabbit's ears.
(by extension) Of people in a crowd: to move in the same direction at the same time, especially due to panic.
(figurative) Of people: to act in a sudden unconcerted manner due to, or as if due to, some common impulse.
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