spurt

or spirt

[ spurt ]
See synonyms for: spurtspurtedspurtive on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)
  1. to gush or issue suddenly in a stream or jet, as a liquid; spout.

  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.

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

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

Origin of spurt

1
First recorded in 1560–70; variant of spirt; origin uncertain

synonym study For spurt

1. See flow.

Other words for spurt

Opposites for spurt

Other words from spurt

  • spurter, noun
  • spurtive, adjective
  • spur·tive·ly, adverb
  • outspurt, verb (used with object)

Words Nearby spurt

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use spurt in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for spurt

spurt

spirt

/ (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

Origin of spurt

1
C16: perhaps related to Middle High German sprützen to squirt

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012