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erupt

verb
\ i-ˈrəpt How to pronounce erupt (audio) \
erupted; erupting; erupts

Definition of erupt

intransitive verb

1a(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
Other Words from erupt Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about erupt

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Other Words from erupt

eruptible \ i-​ˈrÉ™p-​tÉ™-​bÉ™l How to pronounce eruptible (audio) \ adjective
eruptive \ i-​ˈrÉ™p-​tiv How to pronounce eruptive (audio) \ adjective
eruptively adverb

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

 Broadcaster Randy Rosenbloom remembers interviewing Garrett in the P.E. office one day when an all-out brawl erupted between two girls. — Los Angeles Times, "Column: Crenshaw coach Robert Garrett is staying the course," 4 Sep. 2019 The numbers might indicate that USD did not suffer much damage after one of the school’s former coaches was accused of taking kickbacks when the college admissions scandal erupted nationally in March. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "San Diego universities worry about growth, money, violence as fall classes begin," 26 Aug. 2019 The victims, aged 13 to 22, were killed when a stampede erupted at sports stadium in Algiers where popular rapper Abderraouf Derradji, more commonly known as Soolking, was set to perform, prosecutors said in a statement Friday. — Fox News, "5 dead, 21 injured after stampede at Algerian rap concert," 23 Aug. 2019 According to the news station, students were celebrating before the first day of classes when gunfire and chaos erupted at around 10:30 p.m. near a library that is used by students from Clark Atlanta, Spelman and Morehouse. — Breanna Edwards, Essence, "Students Shot During Block Party Near Clark Atlanta University," 21 Aug. 2019 When the Civil War erupted between North and South in 1861, a wave of secessionist scares swept across the West. — Kevin Waite, The New Republic, "California’s Forgotten Confederate History," 19 Aug. 2019 The age of huge, ocean-crossing zeppelins came to an end in 1937, when the Hindenburg — the largest craft of its type ever built — erupted in flames while landing in New Jersey. — NBC News, "Zeppelins stopped flying after the Hindenburg disaster. Now scientists want to bring them back.," 19 Aug. 2019 When gun violence erupts in America, the local mayor is often the first to comfort families and try to heal their community. — CBS News, "Four U.S. mayors on recent mass shootings: "You lose trust in everything"," 16 Aug. 2019 Police scanner captured the chaotic first few minutes when gunfire erupted while officers were serving a narcotics warrant at a row house in North Philadelphia. — Faith Karimi, CNN, "'Get me SWAT ... long guns, ASAP!' Police calls detail tense minutes when Philadelphia shooting started," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'erupt.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of erupt

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

History and Etymology for erupt

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

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More Definitions for erupt

erupt

verb
How to pronounce erupt (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of erupt

: to send out rocks, ash, lava, etc., in a sudden explosion also : to come out in a sudden explosion
: to happen or begin suddenly and violently
: to begin doing something (such as shouting or applauding) suddenly

See the full definition for erupt in the English Language Learners Dictionary

erupt

verb
\ i-ˈrəpt How to pronounce erupt (audio) \
erupted; erupting

Kids Definition of erupt

1 : to send out lava, rocks, and ash in a sudden explosion The volcano erupted.
2 : to burst out in a sudden explosion Lava erupted from the volcano.
3 : to happen, begin, or appear suddenly War erupted. A rash erupted on my skin.

erupt

intransitive verb
\ i-ˈrəpt How to pronounce erupt (audio) \

Medical Definition of erupt

1 of a tooth : to emerge through the gum
2 : to break out (as with a skin eruption)

Other Words from erupt

eruptive \ -​tiv How to pronounce eruptive (audio) \ adjective

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