Proliferate
/prəˈlɪf.ə.reɪt/noun
To increase rapidly in numbers; to multiply.
Did you know?The term 'proliferate' is derived from Latin roots meaning 'to bear fruit,' which connects it to ideas of fertility and abundance in ancient agricultural rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
proliferare
“To bear offspring, to produce abundantly.”
16th Century
Latin
prolifer
“Producing many offspring, fruitful.”
Early 19th Century
English
proliferate
“To grow or multiply rapidly.”
Modern English
English
proliferate
“To increase in number or amount quickly.”