Proliferation
prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən
Definitions
A rapid increase in numbers or the spread of something.
prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən
Rapid increase or spread
The proliferation of smartphones has revolutionized communication.
💡 Simply: Imagine a bunch of bunnies. If they're super happy and keep having babies, that's proliferation! It's when something grows or spreads really fast.
👶 For kids: It means when something grows really fast, like how a plant grows lots of leaves!
More Examples
Concerns were raised about the proliferation of fake news during the election.
The rapid proliferation of the virus caused a global pandemic.
How It's Used
"The rapid proliferation of cancer cells."
"The proliferation of nuclear weapons is a global concern."
"The proliferation of online shopping has changed retail."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From French prolifération, from Latin proles ('offspring') + ferre ('to bear'). Initially referred to the rapid production of offspring or the growth of cells.
Historically used in biology and botany before being applied more broadly.
Memory tip
Think of a lot of pro-life children growing up—lots of babies are rapidly increasing in number. Proliferation is like a LOT of offspring!
Word Origin
"To produce offspring; to spread rapidly."