Where does “riot” come from?

Riot comes from Middle English riot, from Old French riote, from Old French rioter, of unknown origin.

riot (English): Wanton or unrestrained behavior; uproar; tumult;...

Definitions

  1. Wanton or unrestrained behavior; uproar; tumult;...

Ancestry of “riot”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle Englishriotdebauched living, dissipation
2Old Frenchriotequarrel; debate
3Latinrugiōto roar, bellow; rumble
4Proto-Indo-Europeanh₁rewg-to belch; to roar

Words derived from “riot”

Every word from Proto-Indo-European h₁rewg- →Every word from Latin rugiō →Every word from Old French riote →