rampant

adjective

ram·​pant ˈram-pənt 

also -ˌpant

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

rampantly adverb

Illustration of rampant

• a lion rampant

Synonyms of rampant

• runaway
• uncontrolled
• raw

Examples of rampant in a Sentence

a weed that's rampant in this area

the mayor promised to put a stop to the rampant crime that plagued the city

Recent Examples on the Web

Leaders contented that in addition to geopolitical challenges, they have been impacted as luxury brands struggle to restore client loyalty following a period of rampant price hikes and even some lapses in quality. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

The president has claimed, without evidence, that voting by noncitizens is rampant. — Teddy Amenabar, ProPublica, 16 Sep. 2026

The debate over the construction of large data centers is rampant in the Charlotte area and across North Carolina, with municipalities passing moratoriums and polls showing opposition across party lines. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026

But while close confidants have been supportive, the in-person backlash is also rampant. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rampaunt, rampand, borrowed from Anglo-French rampant "crawling, rampant (in heraldry)," from present participle of ramper "to climb, rear up on the hind legs, creep" — more at ramp entry 4

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rampant

• run rampant

Kids Definition

rampant

adjective

ram·​pant ˈram-pənt 

also -ˌpant

1

: standing on the hind legs like a horse rearing

2

: not checked in growth or spread

rumor ran rampant

rampantly adverb