erupt

verb

i-ˈrəpt 

erupted; erupting; erupts

intransitive verb

1

a(1)

: to burst from limits or restraint

(2)

of a tooth : to emerge through the gum

b

: to force out or release suddenly and often violently something (such as lava or steam) that is pent up

c

: to become active or violent especially suddenly : break forth

war could erupt at any moment

the audience erupted in applause

2

: to break out with or as if with a skin eruption

transitive verb

: to force out or release usually suddenly and violently

a volcano erupting lava and ash

eruptible

i-ˈrəp-tə-bəl 

adjective

eruptive

i-ˈrəp-tiv 

adjective

eruptively adverb

Synonyms

• belch
• disgorge
• eject
• eruct
• expel
• jet
• spew
• spout
• spurt

Examples of erupt in a Sentence

The volcano erupted with tremendous force.

A bitter dispute has erupted among the members of the team.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tom Cruise, equal parts mettle and dazzle, erupts with a fully fleshed lead performance that should finally bring him his just due as an actor, while Jack Nicholson forges a terrific performance as an ironpants militarist. —Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Dec. 2024

Applause erupts at the string of performances, including an impressive handbell ensemble who mastered many holiday sing-along tunes. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2024

The drama explores the conflict between tradition and progress in modern-day Iran through a middle-class family whose two daughters question their father’s role in the government as student protests erupt in the streets. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 29 Nov. 2024

Its 8,000-foot face erupts from the head of the Rongbuk ice flow at 21,000 feet in one straight push to the top of the world. —Matt Coté, Outside Online, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin eruptus, past participle of erumpere to burst forth, from e- + rumpere to break — more at reave

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing erupt

• erupt in laughter

Kids Definition

erupt

verb

i-ˈrəpt 

1

: to burst forth or cause to burst forth : explode

2

: to break through a surface

teeth erupting from the gum

3

: to break out with or as if with a skin eruption

eruptive

-ˈrəp-tiv 

adjective

Medical Definition

erupt

intransitive verb

i-ˈrəpt 

1

of a tooth : to emerge through the gum

2

: to break out (as with a skin eruption)

eruptive

-tiv 

adjective