erupt

[ ih-ruhpt ]

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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• eˈruption, noun
• eˈruptible, adjective

Other Words From

• e·rupti·ble adjective
• pree·rupt verb (used without object)
• ree·rupt verb (used without object)
• une·rupted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of erupt¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of erupt¹

C17: from Latin ēruptus having burst forth, from ērumpere, from rumpere to burst

Example Sentences

“When the white population of the USA realizes the truth of the situation, war will erupt,” he wrote.

From Salon

Jones worked with leading rappers in the 80s, and in the 90s he recognised risks including a volatile rivalry that had begun to erupt between competing labels and stars.

From BBC

“Hello, Mr. Owner!” one shouted, making him erupt in laughter.

From Los Angeles Times

Shapiro predicted the neighborhood, nicknamed “Poet’s Corner,” would erupt into a spontaneous street party if Harris wins.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet they may feel vindicated even if Trump loses narrowly to Harris but his acolytes erupt in litigious, violent and protracted fashion.

From Salon

Related Words

• appear
• blow up
• break out
• burst
• detonate
• explode
• flare up
• go off
• spew