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

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

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

The violence, which erupted in May 2023 between the majority Meitei and the indigenous Kuki communities, was the worst the region had witnessed in decades.

Read more on BBC

Tariffs on most goods remain higher for China than for alternative countries such as Vietnam and Thailand, and conflict between the two superpowers could erupt again.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The crowd erupted in affirming shouts and applause.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The paramilitary force has been accused of ethnic killings since its power struggle with the army erupted into violence in April 2023.

Read more on BBC

And with that, the players erupted into celebration.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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