gushing

[ guhsh-ing ]

adjective

1. flowing out suddenly, forcefully, or in large volume, as fluid that has been confined:

   Since the rig exploded, all attempts to stop the gushing oil have been futile.

2. having a sudden, forceful, copious flow:

   She clasped her hands over the gushing wound to stop the blood.

3. expressed or expressing oneself extravagantly or effusively, especially in an affectionate or highly complimentary way:

   Followed by paparazzi and gushing admirers, he returned home to face a more realistic assessment from his parents.

noun

1. the act of flowing out suddenly, copiously, or forcefully:

   Nosebleeds in children often look scary, but these quick tips can stop the gushing.

2. the act of expressing oneself extravagantly or effusively:

   After all her gushing about how great the movie and its director and cast were, I'm looking forward to seeing it!

Other Words From

• gush·ing·ly adverb
• un·gush·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gushing¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; gush ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses; gush ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun senses

Example Sentences

Videos posted by a local journalist showed a torrent of water gushing down the street and a pile of cars blocking a bridge early on Friday.

From BBC

The mainly gushing congratulatory messages from Europe’s leaders on social media made that abundantly clear.

From BBC

McCullum has been gushing in his praise of the Surrey 24-year-old.

From BBC

This line drew gushing applause, because on Fox News, "feminism" is reminding viewers that women can be fascists, too.

From Salon

“The water now is really starting to pour over,” Cooper said as he trudged through the water, which was gushing over the bank he was walking on.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• spouting