Rout Meaning and Definition
Rout
Pronunciation
/raʊt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A disorderly or confused mass of people, as in a riot or melee.
Examples
- The rout of spectators rushed out of the stadium after the game ended.
- The troops formed a solid rout to repel the enemy.
Synonyms
- Rabble
- Mob
Antonyms
- Order
- Discipline
Etymology
The word rout originates from the Old French word “rout,” meaning “a tumultuous or disorderly crowd,” which is derived from the Middle English word “rut,” meaning “a throng or crowd.”
Usage Notes
When describing a large, disorganized group of people, use the word rout in a context that implies chaos and disorder. For example:
- The rout of protesters stormed the streets.
Cultural References
The word rout has appeared in various cultural references, including literature, film, and music. For example:
- In William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” the hero Montague uses the word rout to describe a chaotic crowd.
- In the movie “Romeo and Juliet” (1968), the phrase “rout for honour” is used to describe the characters’ desire to defend their honor.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Rout is often used in idiomatic expressions and phrases, such as:
- rout out (to search thoroughly and thoroughly)
- rout through (to search through something quickly and carelessly)
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases that are closely related to rout include:
- mob
- rabble
- throng
- crowd
Collocations
Rout is often collocated with words such as:
- riot
- melee
- chaos
- mayhem
Frequency of Use
Rout is relatively infrequent in modern language usage, but it remains a useful and evocative word when describing a chaotic or disorganized group of people.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of rout include:
- route