暴動

• Reading: ぼうどう
• Romaji: boudou
• Kanji breakdown: 暴 (bou) — violent, reckless; 動 (dou) — movement, action
• Pronunciation: /boː.doː/

Meaning

Riot; insurrection; a violent disturbance by a crowd against authority.

A noun for violent group uprisings against established authority. Used in news, history, and political discussions. Related terms include 暴動を鎮圧する (to suppress a riot) and 暴動が起きる (a riot breaks out). Distinct from デモ (demonstration, which is peaceful) and 反乱 (rebellion, which is more organised).

Examples

1. 食料不足が原因で各地で暴動が起きた。 Riots broke out in various places due to food shortages.
2. 警察は暴動を鎮圧するために出動した。 Police were deployed to suppress the riot.
3. 歴史の授業で米騒動という暴動について学んだ。 In history class, we learned about the Rice Riots, a type of uprizing.

Usage Guide

Context: news, history, politics, social issues

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 暴 (bou, violent/reckless) + 動 (dou, movement/action). Literally 'violent movement,' describing chaotic and forceful collective action.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal