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

Delta flight evacuated before takeoff after flames seen in engine Passengers aboard a Delta flight at Orlando International Airport in Florida were evacuated on Monday after flames were seen erupting from one of the plane’s engines. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025

For a week, Loíza erupts in celebration with parades, bomba performances and colorful processions honoring the town’s patron saint. —Melissa Rose Cooper, Essence, 18 Apr. 2025

Several wildfires have already erupted across New Mexico this year, including one that ignited in the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico last week. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025

On Monday, Levitsky read the university’s response to the Trump administration to his students, who erupted in applause. —Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 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

Rhymes for erupt

• abrupt
• corrupt
• disrupt
• cupped
• supped
• upped
• interrupt

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