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

Videos taken when the explosion occurred around 9:30 p.m. showed a massive fireball erupt amid a loud, extended roar.

From Los Angeles Times

The attack on Amiryan’s family marked a brutal turn in a conflict that erupted two years earlier.

From Los Angeles Times

The protests first erupted on Saturday 20 September, triggered by a pension reform passed earlier this month under which young people will be required to pay into a private pension fund.

From BBC

A quiet Sunday service in a Michigan Mormon church erupted into horror when a man drove his truck through the front doors, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building on fire, authorities said.

From Salon

He missed his effort but Lowry holed his chance - and then erupted with a passionate and pointed celebration towards the offender.

From BBC

Related Words

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