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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

  • eruptional adjective
  • noneruption noun
  • preeruption noun
  • reeruption noun

Etymology

Origin of eruption

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin ēruptiōn- (stem of ēruptiō ). See erupt, -ion

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.

The eruption of an Icelandic volcano kept some artists from getting to the festival, including The Cribs and Frightened Rabbit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Scientists have discovered that the magma reservoir tied to the largest volcanic eruption of the Holocene is filling again.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

Chemical analysis shows that this newer material differs from what was released during the previous eruption.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

The hillside behind her was sprinkled with desert golds, but the display fell short of the riotous eruption of flowers posted on social media.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

After the eruption, groundwater that had been trapped in the mountain found paths to flow downhill.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone