Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun riot_act

2 senses of riot act

Sense 1
riot act -- (a vigorous reprimand; "I read him the riot act")
       => rebuke, reproof, reproval, reprehension, reprimand -- (an act or expression of criticism and censure; "he had to take the rebuke with a smile on his face")

Sense 2
Riot Act -- (a former English law requiring mobs to disperse after a magistrate reads the law to them)
       => law -- (legal document setting forth rules governing a particular kind of activity; "there is a law against kidnapping")