proliferate Definition
- 1to increase rapidly in number or spread widely
- 2to grow by rapid production of new parts, cells, buds, or offspring
Using proliferate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "proliferate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The bacteria will proliferate if the conditions are favorable.
Example
Social media has caused fake news to proliferate.
Example
The company plans to proliferate its products to other countries.
proliferate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with proliferate
proliferation of weapons
the rapid increase in the number of weapons, especially nuclear weapons, in a particular country or region
Example
The proliferation of weapons is a major concern for global security.
the rapid increase in the amount of information available, especially through the internet
Example
The proliferation of information has made it difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction.
the rapid growth of cells, often associated with cancer
Example
The proliferation of cancer cells can be slowed down with chemotherapy.
Origins of proliferate
from Latin 'prolifer', meaning 'bearing offspring'
Summary: proliferate in Brief
The verb 'proliferate' [prəˈlɪfəreɪt] means to rapidly increase in number or spread widely. It can refer to the growth of cells, the spread of information, or the increase of weapons. Examples include 'The bacteria will proliferate if the conditions are favorable.' and 'The company plans to proliferate its products to other countries.' Synonyms include 'multiply' and 'propagate,' while informal alternatives include 'boom' and 'explode.'
