overflow; flood; spread unchecked
Meanings
2 senses · 8 examplesverb
(of rivers or lakes) to overflow; to flood; to inundate
Describes water exceeding the banks of rivers or lakes, often causing disasters. Commonly used with floods or seasonal river overflow.
Continuous heavy rain caused the river to overflow.
The floodwaters overflowed and submerged large areas of farmland.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
This river floods every summer.
The flooding became a disaster, leaving the people displaced and homeless.
verb
(of bad things) to spread unchecked; to run rampant
formalMetaphorical usage for negative things (ideas, behaviors, trends) spreading without control. Often used in formal, political, or academic contexts. Typically has a negative connotation.
We cannot allow wrong ideas to spread unchecked.
Harmful information is running rampant on the internet, requiring stricter regulation.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Once this kind of formalism spreads unchecked, it will seriously affect work efficiency.
Pirated software has become rampant in the market.