eruption

American  

[ih-ruhp-shuhn] / ɪˈrʌp ʃən /

noun

eruptions plural

1. an issuing forth suddenly and violently; outburst; outbreak.

2. Geology. the ejection of molten rock, steam, etc., as from a volcano or geyser.

3. something that is erupted or ejected, as molten rock, volcanic ash, or steam.

4. Pathology.

   1. the breaking out of a rash or the like.

   2. a rash or exanthem.

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eruption Scientific  

/ ĭ-rŭp′shən /

1. The release of gas, ash, molten materials, or hot water into the atmosphere or onto the Earth's surface from a volcano or other opening in the Earth's surface.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• noneruption
  noun
• preeruption
  noun
• reeruption
  noun
• eruptional
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• eruptions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of eruption

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin ēruptiōn- (stem of ēruptiō ). See erupt, -ion

Explanation

An eruption is an explosion of steam and lava from a volcano. This word is also used for other explosions, such as "an eruption of emotions." If there's an eruption of a volcano, you don't want to be anywhere near it. When a volcano erupts, it spews a huge amount of lava, ash, and steam into the air. If you were angry at a friend but held your tongue for a long time, then suddenly started yelling in anger, that's an eruption too. The sudden spreading of a disease could be called an eruption. Eruptions are quick, huge, explosive, and dangerous: they're never good news.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

eruption eruptions

"This new eruption could present an even better opportunity for 'island-naut' exploration as we prepare to return to the Moon with women and men via Artemis IV," he said.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 10, 2026

That lack of knowledge became especially apparent on May 8, 2026, when satellites detected signs of an unexpected submarine volcanic eruption in the Central Bismarck Sea.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 10, 2026

But when the pressure heightens and matters boil over between the quartet, Wilde carefully examines the resulting eruption instead of recoiling.

From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026

The eruption initially took place at an altitude of 3,000 metres, according to the Etna Observatory of the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

The eruption on May 18, 1980, was the big one.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Powerful volcanic eruptions and rapid climate shifts repeatedly reshaped habitats, driving extinctions and opening opportunities for new species to evolve.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 23, 2026

Researchers also hope to tap into whatever sixth sense animals use to flee tsunamis, earthquakes and eruptions, and develop early-warning systems for vulnerable human settlements.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

When we were done on 71st Street, Hutchinson led me over to a nearby stretch of Florence where, for blocks and blocks, it appears as if there have been volcanic eruptions around the trees.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 13, 2026

The Philippines is routinely struck by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because it lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where there is increased seismic activity.

From BBC ● Jun. 9, 2026

"Earthquakes are generally a precursor of volcanic eruptions, but the park already has lots of earthquakes–1,260 of them last year. Most of them are too small to be felt, but they are earthquakes nonetheless."

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• blast
• breakout
• burst
• explosion
• flare-up
• outbreak
• outburst