Burst
/bɜːrst/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo break suddenly and violently.
/bɜːrst/
To break open or apart suddenly and violently.
The pressure caused the dam to burst.
💡 Simply: To suddenly break open.
More Examples
The crowd burst into applause.
How It's Used
"The balloon burst with a loud bang."
"The pipe burst, flooding the basement."
A sudden, forceful breaking open or release.
/bɜːrst/
The burst of fireworks lit up the night sky.
💡 Simply: A sudden, strong release.
More Examples
A burst of laughter filled the room.
How It's Used
"There was a sudden burst of sunshine."
"She felt a burst of anger."
Idioms & expressions
burst into tears
To suddenly start crying.
"She burst into tears when she heard the news."
From Middle English *bersten, from Old English *berstan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch barsten and German bersten.
The word 'burst' has been used in a similar manner for centuries, often referring to both physical and emotional ruptures.
Memory tip
Imagine a balloon BURSTing with air.
Word Origin
"To break, to split"