WordGarden.ioproliferation
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /prəlˌɪfərˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌproʊlɪfərˈeɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a rapid increase or spread into greater numbers
the spread of weapons, especially nuclear weapons, to more states or groups
the rapid multiplication of cells or other living tissue
Beyond the definition
Imagine dandelions in your yard: one minute there are only a few, and the next they seem to be everywhere. That's what "proliferation" means: a fast increase or spread until something becomes much more common. It is not just about plants. You can talk about the proliferation of new technologies, apps, or ideas, but also the proliferation of misinformation online. The word often suggests that the growth is wide, quick, and a little hard to control.
The idea is not just that something gets bigger in one place, but that it spreads into many places. A rumor shows this clearly: one person shares it, then more people repeat it, and soon it is everywhere. The word is also common in serious topics, such as the proliferation of nuclear weapons, where the spread itself is the main concern.
The word "proliferation" describes the rapid increase or spread of something, often suggesting growth that is hard to manage or happening faster than expected. While it can simply mean "growth," it usually carries a sense of things multiplying and spreading into more places. For example: "The proliferation of social media platforms has changed how we communicate."
Originally stemming from Latin roots meaning "to bring forth abundantly," proliferation is not limited to physical things. Ideas, rumors, technologies, and even problems can proliferate. You might read about the "proliferation of fake news" during an election or notice the "proliferation of coffee shops" in your city.
The term is frequently used in scientific and political contexts. In biology, it can refer to cell growth and division. In politics, it often describes the spread of dangerous technologies such as nuclear weapons, where limiting that spread is a major international concern. "Efforts to curb the proliferation of these weapons are ongoing."
Proliferation is not always negative, though. The "proliferation of art galleries" in a neighborhood could be seen as a sign of cultural energy and economic growth.
So, whether it is cells dividing, ideas spreading, or technologies multiplying, "proliferation" describes a process of rapid expansion, one that can be helpful or alarming depending on what is growing.
Examples
- 1
Local business
The city has seen a proliferation of small coffee shops in the last few years.
- 2
Online misinformation
Teachers are worried about the proliferation of false information online.
- 3
Media choices
The proliferation of streaming services has made choosing a movie more complicated.
- 4
Nuclear weapons
The treaty was designed to prevent nuclear proliferation.
- Domainnuclear proliferation
the spread of nuclear weapons to more countries or groups
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Biology
Scientists measured cell proliferation in the damaged tissue.
- Domaincell proliferation
cells making more cells
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- nuclear proliferation
- cell proliferation
- weapons proliferation
- proliferation of information
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- proliferationnoun
Forms
- proliferationspluralnoun