erupt

verb

i-RUPT/ɪˈɹʌpt/

Formserupts, erupting, erupted

4 meanings of erupt

1
verbintransitive
To throw out lava, water, or steam with great force, like a volcano or geyser.
Like a shaken soda bottle that suddenly sprays out the moment you open it.
The volcano could erupt at any moment.
Hot water erupts from the geyser every hour.
Similarexplode, spout, gush
Note
2
verbintransitive
To suddenly break out or burst into the open.
Like a whole room shouting all at once the instant the lights come on.
Cheers erupted from the crowd when the team scored.
Fighting can erupt without warning in crowded places.
Similarexplode, flare, arise, start (entry)
Oppositesubside
Note
3
verbfigurativelyintransitive
To suddenly let out strong feelings that have built up inside.
Like a pot that boils over when the lid is left on too long.
She erupted in anger when she heard the news.
He tries not to erupt when his plans fall apart.
Similarexplode, snap, flare
Note
4
verbintransitive
To suddenly show up in a place in very large numbers, as animals or insects do.
Like a sudden swarm of bugs appearing all at once on a warm summer night.
Locusts can erupt across farmland after heavy rains.
The beetle population erupted after the unusually warm winter.
Similarirrupt
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin ērumpō, meaning "to break out" or "burst out." It comes from e- "out" plus rumpō "to break."