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Definition of onrush

onrush

/ˈɑːnˌrʌʃ/
on · rush
Plural:onrushes
•
Adjective:onrushing
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onrush Lexical Profile

onrush Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A surging, forceful rush or flow forward, either literally (as of water or a crowd) or figuratively (as of time, events, or emotions).

Example

"The coastal barriers were reinforced to withstand the sudden onrush of the rising tide."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

onomatopoeia
onomatopoeically
onon
onrush
onrushing
onscreen
onset

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century as a compound of the preposition 'on' (indicating forward motion) and the noun 'rush', modeled on earlier formations such as 'onset' and 'onslaught'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Onrush. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/onrush
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