erupt
erupt Lexical Profile
erupt Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To eject lava, ash, rocks, steam, or gases violently and suddenly (of a volcano or geyser).
"Geologists closely monitored the dormant volcano after seismic sensors indicated it might soon erupt."
To break out or begin suddenly and dramatically (of an event, crisis, or intense emotion), or to give sudden vent to a strong feeling.
"The stadium erupted into cheers the moment the home team scored the winning goal."
To emerge through the gums (of a tooth), or to appear suddenly on the skin (of a rash, pimple, or blemish).
"Wisdom teeth typically erupt during late adolescence or early adulthood."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'erupt' (to burst out or forth) with 'irrupt' (to burst or rush inward, or to increase suddenly in population).
• Rhymes for erupt
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin 'eruptus', the past participle of 'erumpere' (to break out or burst forth), formed from 'ex-' (out) and 'rumpere' (to break).