spate

[speyt]

noun

1. a sudden, almost overwhelming, outpouring.

   a spate of angry words.

2. British.

   1. a flood or inundation.

   2. a river flooding its banks.

   3. a sudden or heavy rainstorm.

spate

/ speɪt /

noun

1. a fast flow, rush, or outpouring

   a spate of words

2. a sudden flood

   the rivers were in spate

3. a sudden heavy downpour

Word History and Origins

Origin of spate¹

1400–50; late Middle English (north) < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of spate¹

C15 (Northern and Scottish): of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Officials here point to two principal factors which they believe have led to this intensified spate of attacks.

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The rallies have been largely peaceful, though some nights have seen spates of violence and vandalism.

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Those were followed up by a spate of mysterious drones that disrupted airports and flew close to military sites in a string of countries.

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A recent spate of hacks has highlighted the chaos that can ensue when hackers take computer systems down.

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They have been largely peaceful, though some nights have seen spates of violence and vandalism.

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Related Words

• deluge 
• flood 
• flurry 
• outpouring 
• string 
• succession 
• torrent 
• wave