erupted; erupting; erupts
Synonyms of eruptnext

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 adjective
eruptive 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The meeting broke into discussion groups—and soon erupted in anger. Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 The game wasn’t on the scoreboard, but so many people were watching on their phones and on smaller TVs scattered around the arena that the place erupted. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026 The Tea Party protests that began to erupt in 2009 among conservatives opposed to President Barack Obama were credited with boosting Republican turnout in the 2010 midterms, when the GOP gained 63 seats and control of the House of Representatives in a red wave. Susan Page, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026 Right now, there isn't a significant severe risk shaping up with this, but strong storms along the dryline to our west could erupt as early as Tuesday. Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for erupt

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)

Time Traveler
The first known use of erupt was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Erupt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erupt. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

erupt

verb
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 adjective

Medical Definition

erupt

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

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