spurt

American  

[spurt] / spɜrt /

Or spirt

verb (used without object)

1. to gush or issue suddenly in a stream or jet, as a liquid; spout.

   Synonyms:

   spring, well

   Antonyms:

   ooze, drip

2. to show marked, usually increased, activity or energy for a short period.

   The runners spurted forward in the last lap of the race.

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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.

   Synonyms:

   spout

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

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

spurt British  

/ spɜːt /

verb

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

2. to make a sudden effort

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noun

1. a sudden forceful stream or jet

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

Related Words

See flow.

Other Word Forms

• outspurt verb (used with object)
• spurter noun
• spurtive adjective
• spurtively adverb

Etymology

Origin of spurt

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

Example Sentences

“When I have a good outing, make sure the next one’s good and not just have spurts.”

From Los Angeles Times

The gentle comfort of hope in Duane’s heart could only be felt in tiny spurts in between the THUMPS! and THUDS!

From Literature

And during Fanatics’ growth spurt with exclusive deals with every major sports league in North America, criticism of the company swelled.

From Los Angeles Times

Boys who are held back, the thinking goes, will hit a growth spurt their second time through eighth grade and enter high school bigger, stronger, faster and more coordinated.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nim’s breath came in jagged chunks; she was so hot she thought flames might spurt out of her head like her own miniature volcano.

From Literature

Related Words

• commotion
• eruption
• explosion
• outburst
• spate
• surge