Main Entry: rife

Pronunciation: \ˈrīf\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English ryfe, from Old English rȳfe; akin to Old Norse rīfr abundant

Date: 12th century

1 : prevalent especially to an increasing degree <suspicion and cruelty were rife — W. E. B. DuBois>
2 : abundant, common
3 : copiously supplied : abounding —usually used with with <rife with rumors>

— rife adverb

— rife·ly adverb