Definition
横行 is a verb with two related senses. The literal meaning is 'to walk sideways' (as crabs do), but the word is far more common in its figurative sense: 'to run rampant, to act tyrannically or violently without restraint'. This figurative use often appears in social and political contexts, sometimes as part of the set phrase 横行霸道 (to tyrannize).
v.
to run rampantto act tyrannically (of criminals, forces, etc.)to walk sideways (of crabs, etc.)
Examples
- 横行,。Zhèxiē è shìlì zài chéngshì lǐ héng xíng duō nián, bǎixìng kǔ bù kān yán.These evil forces have been running rampant in the city for years, making people's lives miserable.
- 横行,。Fànzuì fènzǐ zài zhège dìqū héng xíng, zhōngyú bèi jǐngfāng zhuāhuò.The criminals ran rampant in this area and were finally caught by the police.
- 横行,。Pángxiè zài shātān shàng héng xíng, yàngzi shífēn yǒuqù.Crabs walk sideways on the beach, which looks very amusing.
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