Words / C1

REYE-uh-t/ˈraɪət/

A riot is a violent public disturbance; also, informally, a riot of colour — a large disordered amount. Unrest is milder; peace sits opposite. Do not use riot as colourful exaggeration for a busy foyer: occupancy still applies.

Meaning

A violent public disturbance; also (informal) a riot of colour — a large disordered amount.

Examples

• “Calling a foyer queue a riot does not waive the fire-occupancy cap.”
• “Unrest is milder. Disturbance is official. Colour writing is a caption. A cap is a number. Count the heads; save riot for a real disorder report.”

Good to know

Violent public disorder (not a colourful queue). Milder: unrest. A busy foyer ≠ a waived cap.

Near in meaning

unrest

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