PoliticsJuly 10, 2026

spree

/spriː/

Definition

A period of intense, often excessive, and unrestricted activity, particularly in a professional or financial context.

Etymology

The word's origin is uncertain, likely appearing in the early 19th century as a dialectal term for a frolic or a drinking bout. It is believed to have possibly evolved from the Scots word 'spree' or the Irish 'spré', meaning a spark or a sudden outburst.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe a period of high-volume financial transactions or trading activity conducted by a Wall Street firm. It highlights the firm's central, aggressive role in recent market movements.

Exclusive | America’s Support for Capitalism Has Declined Over Last Decade

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WSJ

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