Rupture
/ˈrʌptʃər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA crack or break, especially in a physical structure or a relationship.
/ˈrʌptʃər/
A break or crack.
The dam experienced a rupture, leading to widespread flooding.
💡 Simply: Imagine a balloon popping! A rupture is like that – something suddenly breaks or tears. It could be a pipe, a friendship, or even your stomach if you eat too much!
👶 For kids: When something breaks or tears suddenly, like a balloon popping.
More Examples
The political scandal caused a rupture in the party's unity.
The sudden rupture of the pipe caused water to flood the basement.
How It's Used
"The doctor explained that the patient had suffered a rupture of the Achilles tendon."
"The earthquake caused a rupture in the Earth's crust."
"The argument led to a complete rupture in their friendship."
To break or burst suddenly and completely, or to cause something to break.
/ˈrʌptʃər/
To break or burst suddenly.
The force of the explosion caused the pipeline to rupture.
💡 Simply: Think of a water balloon about to burst. When you 'rupture' something, you make it break open suddenly. It's like exploding from the inside out, whether it's a physical object or someone's emotions.
👶 For kids: To break open suddenly, like a balloon or a water pipe.
More Examples
She felt her control rupture as the argument escalated.
The doctor had to rupture the abscess to relieve the infection.
How It's Used
"The surgeon had to rupture the cyst to drain the fluid."
"Her composure finally ruptured after hearing the bad news."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
rupture disc
A safety device that fails at a predetermined pressure.
"The rupture disc is designed to prevent overpressure in the tank."
rupture the peace
To disrupt or destroy the existing state of peace or harmony.
"His aggressive behavior threatened to rupture the peace of the meeting."
From Latin *ruptura* ('a breaking'), from *rumpere* ('to break').
The word 'rupture' has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally referring to the act of breaking.
Memory tip
Think of a rope that has RUPT-ured, breaking apart.