猖獗 describes a state where negative forces are spreading unchecked and aggressively.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for negative things spreading out of control.
- Carries a strong negative connotation.
- Commonly used in formal or journalistic writing.
1) 概述：猖獗（chāngjué）原意指凶猛且放肆，现多用于形容某种不良事物在一定范围内广泛且肆无忌惮地发展。它强调的是一种失去控制、气焰嚣张的状态。 2) 用法：该词在句中通常作谓语或定语。由于其强烈的贬义色彩，它常用于新闻报道、社会评论或正式写作中，用来抨击负面现象。 3) 常见语境：常与“犯罪”、“走私”、“病毒”、“伪劣产品”等名词连用，强调这些事物正在严重危害社会秩序或公共健康。 4) 近义词辨析：与“蔓延”相比，“猖獗”更侧重于形容事物表现出的“嚣张气焰”和“不受约束”的程度，而不仅仅是空间上的扩散。与“泛滥”相比，“猖獗”更强调主观上的放肆和对秩序的破坏。
Examples
由于缺乏监管，这种电信诈骗行为在当地十分猖獗。
everydayDue to lack of regulation, this type of telecommunication fraud is rampant locally.
警方采取行动，严厉打击了猖獗的走私活动。
formalThe police took action and cracked down on the rampant smuggling activities.
在那段时期，这种病毒传播得非常猖獗。
academicDuring that period, the virus spread in a rampant manner.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
打击猖獗行为
crack down on rampant behavior
制止猖獗势头
curb the rampant trend
Often Confused With
泛滥 emphasizes excessive quantity or coverage area. 猖獗 emphasizes the aggressive and uncontrolled nature of the behavior.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
猖獗 is a formal adjective used almost exclusively for negative situations. It implies that the subject is acting without fear of authority or consequences. It is highly effective in persuasive writing to condemn a specific behavior.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to describe positive growth, which is incorrect. Another error is using it as an adverb; it should function as an adjective or predicate. Always ensure the context is negative.
Tips
Use with negative nouns
Always pair '猖獗' with negative concepts like crime, corruption, or diseases. It helps to emphasize the severity of the situation.
Avoid using for positive trends
Never use '猖獗' to describe growth or popularity of good things. Doing so would sound very strange and sarcastic.
Journalistic tone
This word is a staple in Chinese news headlines. It conveys a strong call to action to stop the described behavior.
Word Origin
The character '猖' relates to being crazy or wild, and '獗' relates to being unruly or fierce. Combined, they depict a force that has lost all self-control and is causing damage.
Cultural Context
In Chinese media, this word is frequently used to create a sense of urgency for social justice. It is a powerful tool to galvanize public opinion against illegal or unethical activities.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'wild beast' (猖) running 'unchecked' (獗) in the streets. It is aggressive and needs to be stopped immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不可以。猖獗是一个贬义词，专门用于形容负面的势力、现象或疾病等，不能用来描述积极的事物。
泛滥侧重于数量过多、到处都是；猖獗则侧重于气焰嚣张、不受约束，带有一种攻击性。
在口语中可以使用，但更多见于正式的新闻报道或严肃的讨论中，用来强调事态的严重性。
猖獗的反义词通常是收敛、绝迹或被遏制，表示负面力量被控制或消失。
Test Yourself
由于监管不力，当地的非法采矿活动十分___。
非法采矿是负面行为，用猖獗来形容其不受控制的扩散最合适。
Score: /1
Summary
猖獗 describes a state where negative forces are spreading unchecked and aggressively.
- Used for negative things spreading out of control.
- Carries a strong negative connotation.
- Commonly used in formal or journalistic writing.
Use with negative nouns
Always pair '猖獗' with negative concepts like crime, corruption, or diseases. It helps to emphasize the severity of the situation.
Avoid using for positive trends
Never use '猖獗' to describe growth or popularity of good things. Doing so would sound very strange and sarcastic.
Journalistic tone
This word is a staple in Chinese news headlines. It conveys a strong call to action to stop the described behavior.
Examples
3 of 3由于缺乏监管，这种电信诈骗行为在当地十分猖獗。
Due to lack of regulation, this type of telecommunication fraud is rampant locally.
警方采取行动，严厉打击了猖獗的走私活动。
The police took action and cracked down on the rampant smuggling activities.
在那段时期，这种病毒传播得非常猖獗。
During that period, the virus spread in a rampant manner.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
