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

Other Word Forms

• eruption noun
• eruptible adjective
• preerupt verb (used without object)
• reerupt verb (used without object)
• unerupted 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

"Every time he touched the ball, the crowd erupted - not just our fans, but Galaxy supporters and Mexican fans in general," he said.

From BBC

What starts as a nostalgic reconnection over drinks between two men who once chased the same dream quickly curdles, as Timothy’s long-simmering resentment boils over, erupting in bitterness and violence.

From Los Angeles Times

Mass demonstrations, fuelled by cost-of-living woes and public frustration with the political elite, first erupted in Jakarta on 25 August to condemn what many viewed as excessive pay and housing allowances for parliamentarians.

From BBC

Three years earlier, Lebanon had erupted into civil war.

From BBC

Two men were fatally shot in a Cerritos park early Sunday morning, with witnesses reporting that a hail of gunfire had erupted, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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