Main Entry:

ir·rupt

Pronunciation:

\i-ˈrəpt\

Function:

intransitive verb

Etymology:

Latin irruptus, past participle of irrumpere, from in- + rumpere to break — more at reave

Date:

1886

1: to rush in forcibly or violently2of a natural population : to undergo a sudden upsurge in numbers especially when natural ecological balances and checks are disturbed3: erupt 1c <the crowd irrupted in a fervor of patriotism — Time>

— ir·rup·tion \-ˈrəp-shən\ noun