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Rampant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rampant

[หˆrรฆmpษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in behavior

spreading unchecked and causing harm or destruction; unrestrained or violent in behavior or action.

Synonyms

rampaging, unchecked, uncontrolled, widespread.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rampant

Used when something is spreading or growing quickly and often uncontrollably, especially in a negative context.

  • The rumors about the scandal were rampant in the office
  • The disease was rampant in the overcrowded city
uncontrolled

Used when something is not restrained or regulated, often implying a lack of management or oversight, and typically in a negative context.

  • The fire spread through the forest, uncontrolled by the firefighters
  • His uncontrolled anger could lead to severe consequences
unchecked

Used to describe a situation or problem that is allowed to continue without any effort to control it, often resulting in negative consequences.

  • The unchecked growth of weeds ruined the garden
  • If left unchecked, the corruption could bring down the whole system
widespread

Used to indicate that something is widely distributed or common over a large area or among many people, often neutral but can be negative depending on the situation.

  • The use of smartphones is widespread among teenagers
  • The corruption was widespread within the organization
rampaging

Used to describe something or someone that is moving around in a violent and uncontrolled way, suggesting chaos or destruction.

  • The rampaging mob destroyed several shops
  • The bull escaped from its pen and went rampaging through the streets

Examples of usage

  • The virus was rampant in the community, infecting many people.
  • The rampant corruption in the government led to widespread protests.
  • The rampant wildfires destroyed acres of forest.
  • She was known for her rampant temper, often getting into fights.
Context #2 | Adjective

in growth

growing or developing quickly and in an uncontrolled way; flourishing or spreading unchecked.

Synonyms

expanding, flourishing, proliferating, thriving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rampant

Used to describe something that is uncontrolled and spreading quickly, often with a negative connotation.

  • The disease was rampant in the overcrowded city
  • Corruption was rampant within the government
proliferating

Used when something is increasing rapidly in number, often used in a neutral to slightly negative context.

  • Online scams are proliferating at an alarming rate
  • There are proliferating species of weeds in the garden
expanding

Used when something is growing larger or increasing in size, number, or importance. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.

  • The company is expanding its operations to new markets
  • The universe is constantly expanding
flourishing

Used to describe something that is thriving well or is in a healthy and successful state, usually in a positive context.

  • Her garden was flourishing, with flowers blooming everywhere
  • The artist's career is flourishing
thriving

Used to describe something that is doing very well, growing strong, healthy, or successful, and is almost always used positively.

  • The local business is thriving despite the economic downturn
  • The toddler is thriving after recovering from his illness

Examples of usage

  • The weeds were rampant in the garden, choking out the flowers.
  • The rumors of his promotion were rampant throughout the office.
  • The company's success was rampant, expanding rapidly in the market.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In literature and media, characters or situations described as 'rampant' often convey chaos or aggression, enhancing drama or tension.
  • In popular games and movies, villains or threats that are 'rampant' symbolize the uncontrollable forces of nature or evil.

Science

  • In ecology, when a species is described as 'rampant', it often indicates an invasive species taking over an ecosystem, disrupting the balance.
  • Rampant cell growth can be associated with diseases like cancer, where cells multiply uncontrollably.

History

  • The term was often used historically to describe social issues, such as rampant crime during periods of unrest, highlighting a societal breakdown.
  • Rampant inflation in the 20th century led to significant economic changes, showcasing the term's impact on real-world events.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, the concept of rampant emotions often leads to tragic outcomes, symbolizing the dangers of uncontrolled feelings.
  • The image of rampant growth is frequently used in poetry to illustrate themes of excess, chaos, and destruction.

Origin of 'rampant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'rampe', which means to climb, reflecting how something moves upwards or spreads.
  • Originally used to describe the way plants or animals grow wildly, it has evolved to describe many uncontrolled actions or situations.

The word 'rampant' originated from Middle French 'rampant', present participle of 'ramper' meaning 'to creep, crawl'. It was first recorded in English in the late 14th century. Over time, the term evolved to connote unrestrained growth or behavior, reflecting the idea of something spreading rapidly and unchecked.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,127, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.