蔓延 mànyán to extend
to extend; to spread
How to remember 蔓延: 蔓 vine + 延 to defer = to extend.
Characters
How it is used
- To spread and creep outward like a vine - used for fire, disease, rumors, unrest - 火势蔓延 (huǒshì mànyán) the fire spread; 疫情蔓延 (yìqíng mànyán) the epidemic spread.
- Implies gradual, uncontrolled, usually negative spreading; contrast 传播 (chuánbō), a neutral 'transmit/disseminate' (info, culture).
- Note the reading màn (not the 蔓 wàn in 藤蔓).