Stampede

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.

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.

To run away in a panic; -- said of droves of cattle, horses, etc., also of armies.

To disperse by causing sudden fright, as a herd or drove of animals.