rampant

adjective
ram·​pant | \ ˈram-pənt also -ˌpant How to pronounce rampant (audio) \

Definition of rampant

1a : rearing upon the hind legs with forelegs extended
b : standing on one hind foot with one foreleg raised above the other and the head in profile used of a heraldic animal
2a : marked by a menacing wildness, extravagance, or absence of restraint rampant rumors
b : profusely widespread rampant weeds

Illustration of rampant

Illustration of rampant

rampant 1b: a lion rampant

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Other Words from rampant

rampantly adverb

Examples of rampant in a Sentence

a weed that's rampant in this area the mayor promised to put a stop to the rampant crime that plagued the city

Recent Examples on the Web

Celebration was rampant inside the clubhouse, save Stassi. Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "'It's just weird:' Max Stassi returns to Minute Maid Park," 23 Aug. 2019 Many also fear being kidnapped, robbed or assaulted during their prolonged stays in Mexican cities like Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez and Matamoros, where crime and economic insecurity are rampant. Camilo Montoya-galvez, CBS News, "Immigration courts fast-tracking hearings for controversial "Remain in Mexico" policy," 23 Aug. 2019 Powered by social media, rumors and misinformation would be rampant. Claire Wardle, Scientific American, "Misinformation Has Created a New World Disorder," 20 Aug. 2019 Empty lots, vacant buildings, crime and prostitution were rampant for a time. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Oceanside’s stretch of Coast Highway to get most roundabouts in county," 15 Aug. 2019 But the reigning Premier League champions were rampant after the restart, with substitute Sergio Aguero getting his name up in lights from the penalty spot in between Sterling's second and third goals. SI.com, "Manuel Pellegrini Slams Man City Tactics as 'Innocent' West Ham Suffer Opening Day Thrashing," 10 Aug. 2019 Prior to getting dished to the Flames for an underperforming James Neal, rumors were rampant that he could be bought out (four years remaining with a $6 million cap hit). Kevin Paul Dupont, BostonGlobe.com, "Former Bruin Adam Oates adds points — and value — to players’ careers," 10 Aug. 2019 That same discrimination against immigrants and people of color is still rampant today, and Garcia said Trump’s words have helped fuel it. Melissa Gomezstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, "Equinox gym protest in West Hollywood over owner’s Trump fundraiser," 9 Aug. 2019 Trump's rise reflected what Europe was already doing to itself: a reaction to rampant globalization, to an era of migration and economic freedoms no generation had seen before. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, "The world wonders what's happened to America," 10 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rampant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of rampant

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for rampant

Middle English, from Anglo-French, present participle of ramper

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More Definitions for rampant

rampant

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of rampant

usually disapproving used to describe something that is very common or that is spreading very quickly and in a way that is difficult to control
: growing quickly and in a way that is difficult to control

rampant

adjective
ram·​pant | \ ˈram-pənt How to pronounce rampant (audio) \

Kids Definition of rampant

: existing or growing greatly and quickly Fear was rampant in the town.

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