Stampede
In short
A sudden, panicked rush of a large group of animals or people moving in the same direction due to fear or excitement.
In plain words
It happens when a crowd gets scared and everyone starts running at once. This creates a dangerous crush where people or animals can be stepped on or trapped.
A simple example
A loud noise in a field might cause a herd of cattle to bolt forward all at once. This sudden movement can lead to chaos and injury.
Why it matters
Stampedes are extremely dangerous because the sheer force of the crowd makes it impossible to stop. They often lead to serious injuries or deaths in crowded spaces.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse a stampede with a parade, which is a planned and organised procession.