(~s)
1.
If you refer to a situation or place as a ~ for something bad such as crime, you mean that this thing can easily develop in that situation or place.
Flaws in the system have created a ~ for financial scandals...
N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp, usu N for n
2.
The ~ for a particular type of creature is the place where this creature breeds easily.
Warm milk is the ideal ~ for bacteria.
N-COUNT: with supp