spurt

or spirt

[ spurt ]
See synonyms for: spurtspurtedspurtive on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)
  1. to gush or issue suddenly in a stream or jet, as a liquid; spout.

  2. to show marked, usually increased, activity or energy for a short period: The runners spurted forward in the last lap of the race.

verb (used with object)
  1. to expel or force out suddenly in a stream or jet, as a liquid; spout.

noun
  1. a sudden, forceful gush or jet.

  2. a marked increase of effort for a short period or distance, as in running, rowing, etc.

  1. a sudden burst or outburst, as of activity, energy, or feeling.

Origin of spurt

1
First recorded in 1560–70; variant of spirt; origin uncertain

synonym study For spurt

1. See flow.

Other words for spurt

Opposites for spurt

Other words from spurt

  • spurter, noun
  • spurtive, adjective
  • spur·tive·ly, adverb
  • outspurt, verb (used with object)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use spurt in a sentence

  • The blood from an artery is of a bright red color, and spirts out, in regular jets, at each beat of the heart.

    A Treatise on Domestic Economy | Catherine Esther Beecher
  • From the rifle-pits there are sudden flashes and quick spirts of flame, and the battle-cloud becomes thick and heavy.

    Following the Flag | Charles Carleton Coffin
  • Wherever there is an outlet a fountain of flame immediately spirts up towards the sky.

    Dame Care | Hermann Sudermann
  • Girls should know that the blood from a cut artery is bright red and flows in spirts and jets.

  • One of them drinks some of the water and spirts it into the air, making a fine spray in imitation of mist or drizzling rain.

    Ancient Art and Ritual | Jane Ellen Harrison

British Dictionary definitions for spurt

spurt

spirt

/ (spɜːt) /


verb
  1. to gush or cause to gush forth in a sudden stream or jet

  2. to make a sudden effort

noun
  1. a sudden forceful stream or jet

  2. a short burst of activity, speed, or energy

Origin of spurt

1
C16: perhaps related to Middle High German sprützen to squirt

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