n. [ Sp. estampida (in America) a stampede, estampido a crackling, akin to estampar to stamp, of German origin. See Stamp, v. t. ] 1. A wild, headlong scamper, or running away, of a number of animals; usually caused by fright; hence, any sudden flight or dispersion, as of a crowd or an army in consequence of a panic. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Any sudden unconcerted moving or acting together of a number of persons, as from some common impulse; as, a stampede to the gold regions; a stampede in a convention; a stampede toward U. S. bonds in the credit markets. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

She and her husband would join in the general stampede. W. Black. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To run away in a panic; -- said of droves of cattle, horses, etc., also of armies. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To disperse by causing sudden fright, as a herd or drove of animals. [ 1913 Webster ]