What term is used to describe a situation that begins to disturb the peace?

The term "riot" specifically refers to a violent disturbance of the peace by a crowd. It implies a situation where individuals engage in tumultuous activities that go beyond mere discontent or protest and escalate to chaos, causing harm to property or persons.

This definition clearly distinguishes a riot from other forms of public disturbances or conflicts. In a riot, there is typically significant disruption, such as vandalism, violence, and potentially larger scale confrontations involving law enforcement.

In contrast, unlawful assembly pertains to a gathering that becomes unlawful when the participants begin to engage in disruptive activities, while disorderly conduct refers to individual actions that disrupt public peace without necessarily involving a gathering. Public disturbance is a broader term that might encompass various situations that cause unrest but does not necessarily indicate the level of violence or chaos that defines a riot.