spurt

or spirt

[ spurt ]

/ spɜrt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR spurt ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

Nearby words

spurn, spurred, spurrey, spurrier, spurry, spurt, spurtle, sputnik, sputniks, sputter, sputtering

Origin of spurt

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

SYNONYMS FOR spurt

1 well, spring. See flow.

4 spout.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR spurt ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR spurt

1 drip, ooze.

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Related forms

spurt·er, nounspur·tive, adjectivespur·tive·ly, adverbout·spurt, verb (used with object)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for spurt

It has made people squirm and spurt out apologies, and it has made my face burn a darker red.
Inspired by Ashley Judd, My Own ‘Puffy Face’ Saga|Kelly Bergin|April 13, 2012|DAILY BEAST
That spurt in the private sector set the stage for his congressional career.
Rahm vs. the Left|Adam Doster|October 5, 2010|DAILY BEAST
While there was yet a quarter of a mile to be covered Dick made a spurt and ranged up alongside of his chum.
The Rover Boys on the Farm|Arthur M. Winfield (AKA Edward Stratemeyer)
But in the morning they were rudely jostled from their dreams by a spurt from the hose of the sailors washing the deck.
The Book of Khalid|Ameen Rihani

All at once I stumbled just as Cubby made a spurt and flew forward, alighting face downward.
The Young Forester|Zane Grey
When he comes, fire will spurt out of both his nostrils, and then the tar will catch fire.
The Red Fairy Book|Various
It was a spurt that should have been reserved for the last hundred yards instead of being begun three miles from the finish.
Smoke Bellew|Jack London

British Dictionary definitions for spurt

spurt

spirt

/ (spɜːt) /

verb

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

to make a sudden effort

noun

a sudden forceful stream or jet

a short burst of activity, speed, or energy

Word Origin for spurt

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