proliferate
UK: /prəˈlɪf.ə.reɪt/ | US: /prəˈlɪf.ə.reɪt/
vi. to increase rapidly in number or spread widely
vt. to cause (cells, organisms, etc.) to grow or reproduce rapidly
proliferate = proli<offspring> + fer<to bear> + ate<verb suffix>
- proli<offspring>: From Latin proles (offspring, progeny).
- fer<to bear>: From Latin ferre (to carry, bear).
- ate<verb suffix>: A suffix forming verbs meaning "to act or cause to become."
Etymology Origin:
The word proliferate originates from Latin proles (offspring) + ferre (to bear), combining to mean "to bear offspring." Over time, it evolved to describe rapid growth or multiplication, especially in biological contexts (e.g., cell proliferation). The suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb. The logic reflects a metaphorical extension from biological reproduction to any rapid expansion.
Without proper control, invasive species can proliferate and disrupt ecosystems.
Social media allows misinformation to proliferate quickly.
The lab observed how cancer cells proliferate under stress.
Urban areas have seen fast-food chains proliferate in recent decades.
The government aims to prevent fake news from proliferating online.