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Synonyms

erupt

American  
[ih-ruhpt] / ɪˈrʌpt /

verb (used without object)

  1. to burst forth.

    Molten lava erupted from the top of the volcano.

    Synonyms:
    vent
  2. (of a volcano, geyser, etc.) to eject matter.

  3. to break out of a pent-up state, usually in a sudden and violent manner.

    Words of anger erupted from her.

  4. to break out in a skin rash.

    Hives erupted all over his face and hands.

  5. (of teeth) to grow through surrounding hard and soft tissues and become visible in the mouth.


verb (used with object)

  1. to release violently; burst forth with.

    She erupted angry words.

    Synonyms:
    vent
  2. (of a volcano, geyser, etc.) to eject (matter).

erupt British  
/ ɪˈrʌpt /

verb

  1. to eject (steam, water, and volcanic material such as lava and ash) violently or (of volcanic material, etc) to be so ejected

  2. (intr) (of a skin blemish) to appear on the skin; break out

  3. (intr) (of a tooth) to emerge through the gum and become visible during the normal process of tooth development

  4. (intr) to burst forth suddenly and violently, as from restraint

    to erupt in anger

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • eruptible adjective
  • eruption noun
  • preerupt verb (used without object)
  • reerupt verb (used without object)
  • unerupted adjective

Etymology

Origin of erupt

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin ēruptus “burst forth, broken out” (past participle of ērumpere ), equivalent to ē- “out of, from” + ruptus, past participle of rumpere “to break, rupture”; e- 1, rupture

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I threw my hands over my head to protect it as the room erupted in screams.

From Literature

But diversification away from high-risk sectors such as technology toward assets such as gold and energy already looked sensible before the latest conflict erupted.

From Barron's

Demonstrations erupted in several major cities in Pakistan, including the southern megacity of Karachi where some protesters attempted to storm American diplomatic buildings.

From Barron's

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been confirmed dead following joint United States–Israel military strikes, marking a dramatic escalation in the conflict that erupted Saturday.

From Salon

Goldie said he had responded to several calls from concerned loved ones back in Scotland since the conflict erupted on Saturday.

From BBC