spurt

American  

[spurt] / spɜrt /

Or spirt

verb (used without object)

1. to gush or issue suddenly in a stream or jet, as a liquid; spout.

   Synonyms:

   spring, well

   Antonyms:

   ooze, drip

2. to show marked, usually increased, activity or energy for a short period.

   The runners spurted forward in the last lap of the race.

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verb (used with object)

1. to expel or force out suddenly in a stream or jet, as a liquid; spout.

noun

1. a sudden, forceful gush or jet.

   Synonyms:

   spout

2. a marked increase of effort for a short period or distance, as in running, rowing, etc.

3. a sudden burst or outburst, as of activity, energy, or feeling.

spurt British  

/ spɜːt /

verb

1. to gush or cause to gush forth in a sudden stream or jet

2. to make a sudden effort

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noun

1. a sudden forceful stream or jet

2. a short burst of activity, speed, or energy

Related Words

See flow.

Other Word Forms

• outspurt verb (used with object)
• spurter noun
• spurtive adjective
• spurtively adverb

Etymology

Origin of spurt

First recorded in 1560–70; variant of spirt; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

In the middle of a growth spurt for women’s basketball, sparked by Caitlin Clark, the league reached a collective-bargaining agreement with record increases to the salary cap and league minimums.

From The Wall Street Journal

I looked, and saw Karli’s eyes opening, and then he was coughing and choking, the water was spurting up out of his mouth onto the kitchen floor.

From Literature

Giant steel pipe’s mysterious overnight growth spurt baffles a Japanese city.

From MarketWatch

There is a small bit of snow that spurts up from each dog’s foot as they run, a little white jet, and that turns in my mind to flame.

From Literature

The lack of electricity, except in rationed spurts, meant searing heat during the day followed by freezing cold during the night.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• commotion
• eruption
• explosion
• outburst
• spate
• surge