plural stampedes
1
: an occurrence in which a large group of frightened or excited animals or people run together in a wild and uncontrolled way to escape from something, get out of a place, etc.
a buffalo stampede
a stampede to the exits
2
: a situation in which a lot of people try to do the same thing at the same time
a stampede to buy the stock
a stampede of new applicants
stampedes; stampeded; stampeding
1
a
: to run away in a large group from something especially because of fear
The cattle stampeded.
People stampeded to the exits.
b
: to cause (animals) to run away in a large group
The gunshot stampeded the cattle.
2
: to cause (a person or a group of people) to do something suddenly and without proper thought
—often used as (be) stampeded into
Don't let yourself be stampeded into doing something you don't really agree with.
Cite this Entry
“Stampede.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/stampede. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
