| English Dictionary |
RIOT ACT
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does Riot Act mean?
• RIOT ACT (noun)
The noun RIOT ACT has 2 senses:
1. a vigorous reprimand
2. a former English law requiring mobs to disperse after a magistrate reads the law to them
Familiarity information: RIOT ACT used as a noun is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
A vigorous reprimand
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Context example:
I read him the riot act
Hypernyms ("riot act" is a kind of...):
rebuke; reprehension; reprimand; reproof; reproval (an act or expression of criticism and censure)
Sense 2
Meaning:
A former English law requiring mobs to disperse after a magistrate reads the law to them
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("Riot Act" is a kind of...):
law (legal document setting forth rules governing a particular kind of activity)
Domain category:
jurisprudence; law (the collection of rules imposed by authority)
Holonyms ("Riot Act" is a part of...):
criminal law (the body of law dealing with crimes and their punishment)
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