Stampede
WordNet
noun
(1) A headlong rush of people on a common impulse
"When he shouted `fire' there was a stampede to the exits"
(2) A wild headlong rush of frightened animals (horses or cattle)
verb
(3) Run away in a stampede
(4) Cause to run in panic
"Thunderbolts can stampede animals"
(5) Act, usually en masse, hurriedly or on an impulse
"Companies will now stampede to release their latest software"
(6) Cause a group or mass of people to act on an impulse or hurriedly and impulsively
"The tavern owners stampeded us into overeating"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
estampida a stampede, estampido a crackling, akin to estampar to stamp, of German origin.
Noun
- A wild, headlong scamper, or running away, of a number of animals; usually caused by fright; hence, any sudden flight or dispersion, as of a crowd or an army in consequence of a panic.
- She and her husband would join in the general stampede. -W. Black.
Verb
- To run away in a panic; said of cattle, horses, etc., also of armies.
- To disperse by causing sudden fright, as a herd or drove of animals.