rampant
Translation
uncontrolled, widespread, flourishing
Examples
Corruption is rampant in the country.
Corruption is rampant in the country.
Weeds grew rampant in the garden.
Weeds grew rampant in the garden.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) is rampant (sth.) is widespread and uncontrolled Corruption is rampant in the country.
Similar Words
Synonyms: uncontrolled, widespread, rife; Antonyms: controlled, restrained
Etymology
From Old French 'ramper' (to climb, crawl). Originally used in heraldry to describe an animal standing on its hind legs. The sense of 'unrestrained' developed from this powerful image.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'ram' on a 'rampage' – it's rampant and out of control. Or imagine plants 'ramping' up a wall uncontrollably.