eruption
Americannoun
-
an issuing forth suddenly and violently; outburst; outbreak.
-
Geology. the ejection of molten rock, steam, etc., as from a volcano or geyser.
-
something that is erupted or ejected, as molten rock, volcanic ash, or steam.
-
Pathology.
-
the breaking out of a rash or the like.
-
a rash or exanthem.
-
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.
Vocabulary lists containing eruption
Make a Break for It: Rupt
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
August Words
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Mexico - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
According to this idea, the eruption caused a volcanic winter that lasted as long as six years and pushed the global human population down to fewer than 10,000 people.
From Science Daily • May 11, 2026
The eruption may not have caused the dramatic population collapse once proposed, but it still offers valuable insight into how humans respond to extreme disasters.
From Science Daily • May 11, 2026
Each volcanic eruption produces tephra with a distinct chemical signature.
From Science Daily • May 11, 2026
This flexibility may have helped them survive harsh environmental conditions linked to the eruption.
From Science Daily • May 11, 2026
It had been a good idea at the time—but that was before the eruption.
From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
