Proliferate

Proliferate is a verb meaning to increase rapidly in number, spread, or multiply. It is often used to describe population growth, the spread of ideas, or the rapid expansion of objects or phenomena. The term comes from late Latin proliferare, from pro- "forward" and ferre "to bear" or carry, originally meaning to reproduce or to increase in number. In modern usage, proliferate can apply to biological, social, technological, or geopolitical contexts.

In biology and medicine, proliferation refers to cell division and tissue growth. Cell proliferation is driven by cell-cycle processes and growth factors; dysregulated proliferation is a hallmark of cancer. Proliferation rates are measured in laboratory assays and can be influenced by nutrients, signaling pathways, and environmental conditions.

In other contexts, to proliferate means to spread widely and rapidly; examples include rumors proliferating on social media, or weapon systems proliferating in international relations, as in nuclear proliferation. The noun form "proliferation" is often used in policy discussions to describe the spread of weapons or technologies, while "proliferator" can refer to an agent that causes proliferation. The term is distinct from related terms such as "propagate" or "multiply," though they share similar general sense.