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

Fittingly, that appearance pulled her into the Kimmel craziness as arguments over the 1st Amendment erupted across the country.

From Los Angeles Times

The mothers of two dying teens were stopped by police from seeing their sons' bodies before violence erupted, a trial has been told.

From BBC

It’s easy to imagine Hollywood one day making an apocalyptic film that features the abandoned landscape with only these museum relics still standing — and “Split-Rocker” erupting in explosive, unkempt flowers.

From Los Angeles Times

He stressed that he "meant it" when he posted a message sending love to Kirk's family on Instagram last week, before this row erupted.

From BBC

In August, protests erupted over lawmakers' housing perks.

From BBC

Related Words

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