Erupt

/ɪˈrʌpt/

verbBeginner📊CommonTechnology
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To burst or break out suddenly and violently, typically in a way that is visible or audible.

/ɪˈrʌpt/

verbneutralBeginner
Technology

To burst or break out suddenly and violently.

The volcano erupted, sending plumes of smoke and ash into the sky.

💡 Simply: Imagine a popcorn machine: when the kernels heat up and burst out, that's kind of like something *erupting*! It's a sudden, exciting burst, whether it's a volcano or a crowd cheering.

👶 For kids: To burst out suddenly and with a lot of force, like a volcano or a bubble.

More Examples

2

After the announcement, the stadium erupted in cheers.

3

A rash erupted on his skin, indicating an allergic reaction.

4

The river overflowed its banks and erupted into the town.

How It's Used

Geology

"The volcano erupted, spewing lava and ash."

Figurative

"The crowd erupted in cheers when the home team scored."

2

To become active or apparent suddenly, often in a violent or uncontrolled way.

/ɪˈrʌpt/

verbneutralmedium
General

To become active or apparent suddenly.

The protest erupted into chaos after the police used tear gas.

💡 Simply: Think of a problem or a feeling that suddenly shows up, maybe in an unexpected or intense way. Like a rash popping up on your skin, or an argument that starts out of nowhere.

👶 For kids: To suddenly come out or show up, like a rash or a sneeze.

More Examples

2

The disease erupted rapidly, spreading through the village.

3

His anger erupted after a series of insults.

4

The rash erupted on her skin.

How It's Used

Medical

"The rash erupted after she ate shellfish."

Social

"Tensions erupted into violence."

Tip:Imagine a disease suddenly appearing on the skin.

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Latin *ērumpere* ('to break out'), from *e-* ('out') + *rumpere* ('to break').

The word 'erupt' has been used since the 17th century to describe sudden bursts or outbreaks, particularly in the context of natural phenomena like volcanoes.

Memory tip

Imagine a volcano bursting open – that’s *erupt*.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to break"

volcano erupteruption oferupt inerupted into

Common misspellings

irrupt

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written