spurt
or spirt
[spurt]
verb (used without object)
to gush or issue suddenly in a stream or jet, as a liquid; spout.
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)
to expel or force out suddenly in a stream or jet, as a liquid; spout.
noun
a sudden, forceful gush or jet.
a marked increase of effort for a short period or distance, as in running, rowing, etc.
a sudden burst or outburst, as of activity, energy, or feeling.
Origin of spurt
First recorded in 1560–70; variant of spirt; origin uncertain
Synonyms for spurt
Antonyms for spurt
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for spurt
explosion, commotion, eruption, spate, surge, outburst, spew, ooze, rush, stream, fit, access, jet, discharge, squirt, spritz, shoot, emerge, burst, wellExamples from the Web for spurt
Contemporary Examples of spurt
Historical Examples of spurt
A spurt of boiling water jumped into the air, and a wash of water followed.
American NotesRudyard Kipling
There was no outcry; simply a spurt of blood and brain, and all was over.
The DownfallEmile Zola
"I asked him what he'd been doing with himself all the summer," Barbara went on with a spurt.
The Education of Eric LaneStephen McKenna
The dun had been hard ridden in the spurt to gain the mountains ahead of the posse.
The CoyoteJames Roberts
A spurt of laughter dies into a shiver of repugnance at the action.
The Mob (Third Series Plays)John Galsworthy
spurt
spirt
verb
noun
Word Origin for spurt
C16: perhaps related to Middle High German sprützen to squirt
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper