RAMPANT

rampant

(adjective) (of a plant) having a lush and unchecked growth; “a rampant growth of weeds”

rampant

(adjective) unrestrained and violent; “rampant aggression”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

rampant (comparative more rampant, superlative most rampant)

(originally) Rearing on both hind legs with the forelegs extended.

(heraldry) Rearing up, especially on its hind leg(s), with a foreleg raised and in profile.

(architecture) Tilted, said of an arch with one side higher than the other, or a vault whose two abutments are located on an inclined plane.

Unrestrained or unchecked, usually in a negative manner.

Rife, or occurring widely, frequently or menacingly.

Anagrams

• man-trap, mantrap

Source: Wiktionary


Ramp"ant, a. Etym: [F., p. pr. of ramper to creep. See Ramp, v.]

1. Ramping; leaping; springing; rearing upon the hind legs; hence, raging; furious. The fierce lion in his kind Which goeth rampant after his prey. Gower. [The] lion . . . rampant shakes his brinded mane. Milton.

2. Ascending; climbing; rank in growth; exuberant. The rampant stalk is of unusual altitude. I. Taylor.

3. (Her.)

Definition: Rising with fore paws in the air as if attacking; -- said of a beast of prey, especially a lion. The right fore leg and right hind leg should be raised higher than the left. Rampant arch. (a) An arch which has one abutment higher than the other. (b) Same as Rampant vault, below.

– Rampant gardant (Her.), rampant, but with the face turned to the front.

– Rampant regardant, rampant, but looking backward.

– Rampant vault (Arch.), a continuous wagon vault, or cradle vault, whose two abutments are located on an inclined planed plane, such as the vault supporting a stairway, or forming the ceiling of a stairway.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

30 May 2025

FOREHAND

(noun) (sports) a return made with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke (as in tennis or badminton or squash)


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