rampant
Flourishing or spreading unchecked, often in an uncontrolled or harmful way.
Adjective
This word carries a strong sense of aggression and lack of restraint. It is most frequently paired with negative phenomena, such as corruption, inflation, or disease, suggesting a force that has broken through all barriers and is now dominating the environment.
In a heraldic context, it describes a lion standing on its hind legs with forepaws raised, symbolizing power and readiness for combat. This visual image of an animal rearing up informs the modern sense of something rising up and taking over violently.
Meanings
Examples
Corruption was rampant within the city administration.
Business