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

However, chaos did erupt at a couple of events, including demonstrators trying to enter the state Capitol in Arizona, and an arrest was made in Washington, D.C., after a protester allegedly sprayed paint on a Trump supporter. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025

When the verdicts were read the courtroom erupted in cheers and the rapper literally leapt into the crowd to hug superstar girlfriend Rihanna. —Tom Tapp, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025

This video -- which was given to investigators, who are now reviewing it -- shows the plane reach the ground, erupt in flames, bounce on the runway and then overturn. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2025

Listen to this article The sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden erupted as St. John’s point guard Deivon Smith subbed into Sunday’s game against Creighton for the first time. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025

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