Definition
Rampant refers to something that is spreading uncontrollably or wildly, without any restraint or limitation. It can be used to describe the rapid growth or increase of a phenomenon, especially if it is considered to be negative or dangerous. It can also be used to describe a situation that is out of control or chaotic.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
uncontrolled, unchecked, unrestrained, widespread, epidemic, pervasive, rife, dominant
Antonyms
controlled, contained, limited, restrained, subdued
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | ramp, rampages, rampage, ramps |
| Verb | ramp, rampaging, ramping, rampage, rampaged, rampages, ramped, ramps |
| Adjective | rampageous, rampant |
| Adverb | rampantly |
Example Sentences
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The problem of fake news is rampant on social media.
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The forest fire was rampant and quickly spread throughout the region.
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The corruption in the government was rampant and affected every department.
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The pandemic was rampant in many countries, causing widespread illness and death.
Usage
The word “rampant” is often used to describe negative situations or conditions that are out of control or have the potential to become so. It is often associated with the spread of disease, corruption, crime, or other negative phenomena. The term is commonly used in news reports, political speeches, and social commentary to describe the severity of a problem or issue.
The word “rampant” is derived from the Old French word “ramper”, which means to climb or crawl. The original meaning of the word referred to the behavior of animals that would climb or crawl on their hind legs, such as lions or unicorns, which are often depicted on coats of arms. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the idea of something that is growing or spreading rapidly and uncontrollably.
There are several related words that have similar meanings to “rampant”. These include “unchecked”, “unrestrained”, “widespread”, and “epidemic”. The word “rampant” is often used in conjunction with these other words to emphasize the severity or intensity of a situation. For example, a news report might describe a problem as “rampant and unchecked”, or a politician might describe corruption as “widespread and rampant”.
In some cases, the word “rampant” is used in a positive sense to describe something that is flourishing or thriving. For example, a company might be described as “rampant with growth” or a new trend might be described as “rampant in popularity”. However, this usage is less common than the negative connotation of the word.