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

But in 1997, the first global credit crisis of scale in 200 years erupted in Thailand and spread to the Asian economies that had open markets. —Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

The eruption of the Kilauea volcano recently entered its second pause after initially erupting on Monday, Dec. 23, the National Park Service said, citing the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. —Danielle Jennings, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024

In December 2024, the scientists behind the project revealed that the EHT, comprised of telescopes around the globe that form a virtual Earth-sized instrument, witnessed the same black hole erupt with a powerful and unexpected explosion. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 Dec. 2024

Garzon said a fight between him and another man erupted inside the home, located in the 6400 block of Meadowlark Drive. —Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Dec. 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