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Synonyms

eruption

American  
[ih-ruhp-shuhn] / ɪˈrʌp ʃən /

noun

  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.


eruption Scientific  
/ ĭ-rŭpshən /
  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.


Other Word Forms

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing eruption

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Eruption, which had original working titles of The Black Zone and Vulcan, is Patterson's first attempt at posthumous publishing - but he is familiar with high-profile collaborations, having written Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton's autobiographies.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2024

In the meantime, completing Eruption has led Sherri and her son to feel closer to Crichton, despite their remnant grief.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2024

The eruption produced an ash plume that extended to about 650 miles away, the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team said.

From Washington Post • Apr. 12, 2023

Eruption has launched at the perfect time for Destiny 2.

From The Verge • Sep. 7, 2022

But such Convulsions as supervene, either when Eruption having already occurred, suddenly retreats, or strikes in, according to the common Phrase; or during the Course of the Fever of Suppuration, are greatly more terrifying.

From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)