Definition of "rampant" in English

adjective

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

   • The Vienna riding school displays splendid rampant movement.

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

3. (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.

4. Unrestrained or unchecked, usually in a negative manner.

   • Weeds are rampant in any neglected garden.

5. Rife, or occurring widely, frequently or menacingly.

   • There was rampant corruption in the city.

adverb

1. (informal, nonstandard) Rampantly.

   • Things seem to be running rampant around here lately.