eruption

American  

[ih-ruhp-shuhn] / ɪˈrʌp ʃən /

noun

eruptions plural

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-rŭp′shən /

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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• eruptions
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

eruption eruptions

So far, the eruption has been considerably less explosive than recent submarine eruptions such as Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai in 2022 and Fukutoku-Okanobain 2021.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 10, 2026

"This suggests a fairly shallow eruption vent -- much shallower than what's implied by the existing bathymetry, which shows water depths of several hundred meters or more."

From Science Daily ● Jul. 10, 2026

"This new eruption could present an even better opportunity for 'island-naut' exploration as we prepare to return to the Moon with women and men via Artemis IV," he said.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 10, 2026

But when the pressure heightens and matters boil over between the quartet, Wilde carefully examines the resulting eruption instead of recoiling.

From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026

Scientists at the CVO today continue the work begun by the scientists working around Mount St. Helens during the 1980 eruption.

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

Those harsh ocean conditions developed after massive volcanic eruptions pumped enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, dramatically warming the planet.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026

Researchers also hope to tap into whatever sixth sense animals use to flee tsunamis, earthquakes and eruptions, and develop early-warning systems for vulnerable human settlements.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

When we were done on 71st Street, Hutchinson led me over to a nearby stretch of Florence where, for blocks and blocks, it appears as if there have been volcanic eruptions around the trees.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 13, 2026

The Philippines is routinely struck by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because it lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where there is increased seismic activity.

From BBC ● Jun. 9, 2026

The guttural eruptions and long flowing vowels rolled just beneath my comprehension like a beau­tiful brook.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Related Words

• blast
• breakout
• burst
• explosion
• flare-up
• outbreak
• outburst