spurt

or spirt

[ spurt ]

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.

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

/ spɜːt /

verb

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

noun

1. a sudden forceful stream or jet
2. a short burst of activity, speed, or energy

Other Words From

• spurter noun
• spurtive adjective
• spurtive·ly adverb
• outspurt verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of spurt¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of spurt¹

C16: perhaps related to Middle High German sprützen to squirt

Synonym Study

See flow.

Example Sentences

A spurt of profitability followed, but this year is looking to be once again in the red.

From Los Angeles Times

But inflation has been a global problem, mostly a consequence of the spurt in post-pandemic demand for goods.

From Los Angeles Times

Left behind by his class-mates' growth spurts and struggling to get to grips with the rules, he then stopped playing for two years.

From BBC

But a timely growth spurt in his late teens took him to 6ft 4in and, now his body has got used to the idea, the 22-year-old is starting to look highly dangerous.

From BBC

Harris’ professed desire to lower food prices led to a spurt of news articles and columns asserting that she was proposing “price controls.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ooze
• spew