irrupt

ir·rupt

verb \i-ˈrəpt\

Definition of IRRUPT

intransitive verb

1

: to rush in forcibly or violently

2

of a natural population : to undergo a sudden upsurge in numbers especially when natural ecological balances and checks are disturbed

3

: erupt 1c <the crowd irrupted in a fervor of patriotism — Time>

— ir·rup·tion \-ˈrəp-shən\ noun

Origin of IRRUPT

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

First Known Use: 1886

Other Ecology Terms

Malthusian, anthropogenic, biomass, carbon footprint, crepuscular, niche, sere, symbiosis, taiga, tundra

Rhymes with IRRUPT

abrupt, bankrupt, corrupt, disrupt, erupt