grassieren
Translation
to be rampant, to spread, to rage
Examples
Eine Grippewelle grassiert im Land.
A flu epidemic is rampant in the country.
Das Gerücht grassiert in der ganzen Stadt.
The rumour is spreading throughout the city.
Grammar Patterns
((intransitive)) to be rampant (of a disease, rumour) A flu is rampant. (Eine Grippe grassiert.)
Similar Words
Synonyms: sich ausbreiten, wüten, umgehen
Etymology
From French 'grasser' (to grow fat), from Latin 'crassus' (fat, thick). The sense shifted to 'spread destructively'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'grass' spreading rapidly and uncontrollably across a field.