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Synonyms

eruptive

American  
[ih-ruhp-tiv] / ɪˈrʌp tɪv /

adjective

  1. bursting forth, or tending to burst forth.

  2. pertaining to or of the nature of an eruption.

  3. Geology. noting a rock formed by the eruption of molten material.

  4. Pathology. causing or accompanied by an eruption or rash.


noun

  1. Geology. an eruptive rock.

eruptive British  
/ ɪˈrʌptɪv /

adjective

  1. erupting or tending to erupt

  2. resembling or of the nature of an eruption

  3. (of rocks) formed from such products as ash and lava resulting from volcanic eruptions

  4. (of a disease) characterized by skin eruptions

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of eruptive

From the French word éruptif, dating back to 1640–50. See erupt, -ive

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.

"Dukono is a mountain with almost continuous eruptive activity, so any violation of the danger zone carries a fatal risk," he told the BBC.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Inspired by the 1771 watercolor Night view of a current of lava by British-Italian artist Pietro Fabris, Hamilton's concept relied on light and motion to replicate glowing lava and eruptive bursts.

From Science Daily • Nov. 7, 2025

As history illustrates, Mount St. Helens has an eruptive personality.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2023

Historical accounts and studies of ancient volcanic rocks show that times of volcanic repose transition into loud seismic and eruptive awakenings in a cycle that’s transpired several times in the past few millennia.

From National Geographic • Jul. 24, 2023

Then there was an eruptive movement, people pushing forward, other people pushing back.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry

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