spate

[ speyt ]

noun

1. a sudden, almost overwhelming, outpouring:

   a spate of angry words.

2. British.
   1. a flood or inundation.
   2. a river flooding its banks.
   3. a sudden or heavy rainstorm.

spate

/ speɪt /

noun

1. a fast flow, rush, or outpouring

   a spate of words

2. a sudden flood

   the rivers were in spate

3. a sudden heavy downpour

Word History and Origins

Origin of spate¹

1400–50; late Middle English (north) < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of spate¹

C15 (Northern and Scottish): of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Police said the driver was unhappy with a divorce settlement, but the incident sparked questions about a recent spate of public violence in the country.

From BBC

The UK government made it a criminal offence to possess a bully XL without a valid certificate of exemption from February 2024, following a spate of attacks.

From BBC

Manson died in 2017 while serving a commuted death sentence for masterminding an infamous spate of murders in Los Angeles in 1969.

From Los Angeles Times

A car attack that killed 35 people in China has sparked questions about a recent spate of public violence, as officials continue to censor discussion on the incident.

From BBC

China has seen a spate of violent attacks on members of the public in recent months.

From BBC

Related Words

• deluge
• flood
• flurry
• outpouring
• string
• succession
• torrent
• wave