Definition

1. Noun:
   • A former English law: A statute, enacted in 1715, that made it a felony for a group of twelve or more people to refuse to disperse within one hour of being read a proclamation by a magistrate or other authority.
   • A severe reprimand or warning: A stern lecture or scolding, often delivered in an angry or forceful manner, warning someone to stop unacceptable behavior.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Historical Law):

  • The magistrate read the Riot Act to the assembled crowd.
  • After the Riot Act was read, the protesters had one hour to disperse.

• Noun (Modern Figurative Meaning):

  • When I came home late, my parents read me the riot act.
  • The manager read the team the riot act after their poor performance.

Advanced Usage

• "to read (someone) the riot act": This is the primary modern usage. It is a fixed verbal phrase meaning to reprimand someone severely.
  • The coach read the players the riot act for breaking curfew.

Variants and Related Words

• Reprimand (n/v): A formal or official expression of disapproval.
• Lambaste (v): To criticize someone harshly.
• Dressing-down (n): A severe scolding.

Synonyms

• Tongue-lashing: A severe scolding.
• Lecture: A long, serious talk, especially one expressing criticism.
• Berating: Scolding or criticizing angrily.

Related Idioms

• "to give someone a piece of one's mind": To express one's disapproval directly and angrily.
• "to come down hard on someone": To criticize or punish someone severely.

Noun

1. a former English law requiring mobs to disperse after a magistrate reads the law to them
2. a vigorous reprimand
   • I read him the riot act