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Burst: meaning, definitions and examples

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burst

 

[bɜrst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sudden release

To break open or apart suddenly and violently, especially as a result of internal pressure.

Synonyms

explode, rupture, shatter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
burst

Used when something suddenly breaks open or splits due to internal pressure, typically in a quick or violent way. Often used for balloons, bubbles, or emotions.

  • The balloon burst with a loud pop
  • She felt like she was about to burst into tears
explode

Describes things that break apart suddenly and violently with a loud noise and often with damage. Commonly associated with bombs, fireworks, or sudden, intense expressions of anger.

  • The bomb exploded in the middle of the field
  • His anger exploded after he heard the news
shatter

Refers to breaking something into many small pieces, often used for glass or fragile objects. It can also be used metaphorically for dreams, hopes, or illusions.

  • The glass vase shattered when it hit the floor
  • Her dreams were shattered when she was not accepted into the program
rupture

Used in more technical or medical contexts, often describing a sudden break in something like a blood vessel, organ, or other similar structures.

  • He was rushed to the hospital due to a ruptured appendix
  • The pipe ruptured under the high pressure

Examples of usage

  • The water pipe burst due to freezing temperatures.
  • The balloon burst when it hit a sharp object.
Context #2 | Noun

sudden increase

A sudden, intense increase in something.

Synonyms

outburst, spurt, surge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
burst

Repeated for emphasis. It can mean the same as the first 'burst' or be used in different forms, like describing an intense emotion or energy.

  • He burst out laughing
  • The sun burst through the clouds
surge

Used to describe a powerful, forward or upward movement, often of liquid, electricity, or a large crowd. It can also mean a sudden increase in an emotional or physical level.

  • The storm caused a surge in the river
  • There was a surge of excitement when the band came on stage
outburst

Refers to a sudden and intense expression of emotion, typically anger. This word can have a negative connotation.

  • His outburst during the meeting shocked everyone
  • She had an outburst of anger when she found out
spurt

Describes a sudden and short burst of liquid, speed, or activity.

  • Water spurted from the broken pipe
  • He had a growth spurt over the summer

Examples of usage

  • A burst of laughter erupted from the crowd.
  • There was a burst of energy after the coffee.

Translations

Translations of the word "burst" in other languages:

🇵🇹 explosão

🇮🇳 विस्फोट

🇩🇪 Explosion

🇮🇩 ledakan

🇺🇦 вибух

🇵🇱 wybuch

🇯🇵 爆発 (bakuhatsu)

🇫🇷 explosion

🇪🇸 explosión

🇹🇷 patlama

🇰🇷 폭발 (pokbal)

🇸🇦 انفجار

🇨🇿 výbuch

🇸🇰 výbuch

🇨🇳 爆炸 (bàozhà)

🇸🇮 eksplozija

🇮🇸 sprenging

🇰🇿 жарылыс

🇬🇪 აფეთქება

🇦🇿 partlayış

🇲🇽 explosión

Etymology

The word 'burst' originated from the Old English word 'berstan', meaning 'to break'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in Middle English, retaining its core meaning of sudden release or increase. The concept of bursting has been observed in various natural phenomena and human activities, leading to its widespread usage in the English language.

See also: bursting, bursts, outburst.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,306, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.