upthrust

[ uhp-thruhst ]

noun

1. a thrust in an upward direction.
2. a sudden and forceful upward movement, as of a nation's economy or the stock market:

   Market observers are hoping the upthrust can be sustained.

3. Geology. an upheaval.

verb (used without object)

1. to thrust upward:

   Frost caused the ground to upthrust.

upthrust

/ ˈʌpˌθrʌst /

noun

1. an upward push or thrust
2. geology a violent upheaval of the earth's surface

Word History and Origins

Origin of upthrust¹

First recorded in 1840–50; up- + thrust

Example Sentences

Beneath them was a blur of whirling white; ahead was an upthrust mountain range upon which they were driving.

From Project Gutenberg

The two men were still sitting on the logs and leaning lazily against upthrust boughs.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Pennypacker leaned with an air of satisfaction against the upthrust bough of a fallen oak.

From Project Gutenberg

At length a heavy, straight upthrust encountered no obstacle of bone, and the blade bit deep and deeper into living flesh.

From Project Gutenberg

Huge stumps upthrust like beacons in a ruffled harbor, grim, massive butts.

From Project Gutenberg