n. A sudden fright seizing upon large bodies of cattle or horses, and causing them to run for long distances; a sudden scattering of a herd of cattle or horses; hence, any sudden flight or general movement, as of an army, in consequence of a panic.n. Any sudden unconcerted movement of a number of persons actuated by a common impulse: as, a stampede in a political convention for a candidate who seems likely to win. Stampedes in American polities have been common since the Democratic convention of 1844.To become generally panic-stricken; take suddenly to flight, as if under the influence of a panic; scamper off in fright: said of herds or droves.To move together, or take the same line of conduct, under the influence of any sudden and common impulse. See stampede, n., 2.To cause to break and run as if panic-stricken; disperse or drive off suddenly through panic or terror.To cause to move or act in a mass through some sudden common impulse: as, to stampede a political convention for a candidate.