1.
rampage, violence, outrage
Violent, unruly, or destructive behavior. Often used to describe riotous conduct, assault, or causing mayhem. Has a somewhat literary or formal tone.
狼藉を働く。
To commit violence / to go on a rampage.
酔っ払いが狼藉を働いた。
The drunk went on a rampage.
乱暴狼藉の限りを尽くす。
To commit every possible act of violence and outrage.
店内で狼藉を働いたため逮捕された。
He was arrested for causing a disturbance in the store.
狼藉 originally meant "a mess" (like a wolf's lair with straw scattered about), but came to mean violent, disorderly conduct.
Key expression:
- 狼藉を働く (to commit violence, cause mayhem)
- 乱暴狼藉 (violence and outrage - emphatic compound)
Usage notes:
- Somewhat literary/formal word
- Often used in news reports, period dramas, or formal complaints
- Can describe anything from bar fights to large-scale riots
Related words:
- 暴行: assault, violence
- 乱暴: violence, roughness
- 暴れる: to act violently, run amok
- 大暴れ: going on a rampage