rampant
UK: ˈræmpənt | US: ˈræmpənt
adj. 1. (of something undesirable) flourishing or spreading unchecked.
adj. 2. (heraldry, of an animal) standing on one hind leg with the forelegs raised.
adj. 3. unrestrained in action or intensity; violent or extravagant.
The word "rampant" originates from Old French rampant, the present participle of ramper ("to climb, rear up"), which likely derives from a Germanic root meaning "to bend or crawl." The heraldic sense (standing on hind legs) emerged in Middle English, reflecting the imagery of an animal rearing aggressively. Over time, it broadened metaphorically to describe unchecked growth or intensity, aligning with the idea of something "rising uncontrollably."
Corruption was rampant in the government.
The lion is depicted rampant on the royal coat of arms.
Rampant inflation has destabilized the economy.
The garden was overgrown with rampant weeds.
His rampant enthusiasm often overwhelmed others.