rampant

ram·pant

adj \ˈram-pənt also -ˌpant\

Definition of RAMPANT

1

a : rearing upon the hind legs with forelegs extended b : standing on one hind foot with one foreleg raised above the other and the head in profile —used of a heraldic animal

2

a : marked by a menacing wildness, extravagance, or absence of restraint <rampant rumors> b : profusely widespread <rampant weeds>

— ram·pant·ly adverb

Examples of RAMPANT

1. a weed that's rampant in this area
2. <the mayor promised to put a stop to the rampant crime that plagued the city>

Illustration of RAMPANT

Origin of RAMPANT

Middle English, from Anglo-French, present participle of ramper

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to RAMPANT

Synonyms: abandoned, intemperate, raw, runaway, unbounded, unbridled, unchecked, uncontrolled, unhampered, unhindered, unrestrained

Antonyms: bridled, checked, constrained, controlled, curbed, governed, hampered, hindered, restrained, temperate

Related Words: uncontrollable, ungovernable; barbaric, hog wild, riotous, uninhibited, wild

Near Antonyms: moderate, tempered

see all synonyms and antonyms

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