暴れ回る

• Reading: あばれまわる
• Romaji: abaremawaru
• Kanji breakdown: 暴 (bō/abure) — violent, outburst; 回 (kai/mawa) — turn, go around
• Pronunciation: /a.ba.ɾe.ma.wa.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To rampage; to run amok; to act violently while moving around. Suggests wide-ranging, uncontrolled violent behaviour.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb combining 暴れる (to act violently) and 回る (to go around). The addition of 回る emphasises that the violent action is not confined to one spot but spreads across an area. Used for people, animals, or forces of nature causing widespread disorder. The image is one of chaotic, unrestrained movement.

Examples

1. 泥酔した男が繁華街で暴れ回り、警察が出動する事態になった。 A heavily intoxicated man rampaged through the entertainment district, causing the police to be deployed.
2. 台風が上陸し、強風と高波が沿岸で暴れ回って甚大な被害をもたらした。 A typhoon made landfall, and fierce winds and high waves rampaged along the coast, causing severe damage.
3. 規制が整備されるまで、悪質な業者が業界内で暴れ回っていた。 Until proper regulations were put in place, unscrupulous operators were rampaging through the industry.

Usage Guide

Context: news, literature, daily life, nature

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 暴れる (to act wildly/violently; from 暴 meaning violence or outburst) and 回る (to go around/circulate). The combination creates a vivid image of violence sweeping through an area.

Cultural Context

Era: Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: General