verb

proliferate

to proliferate, to multiply, to increase rapidly

Rumors began to proliferate online.

Rumours began to proliferate online.

Cancer cells can proliferate quickly.

Cancer cells can proliferate quickly.

((sth.)) to increase rapidly in number; to multiply Fake news stories proliferate on the internet.

Synonyms: multiply, increase, spread; Antonyms: decrease, dwindle

From Latin 'proles' (offspring) + 'ferre' (to bear, carry). Literally 'to bear offspring'.

Think of 'pro-life-rate' - a high rate of new life, suggesting a rapid increase in numbers.

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