Bursts: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'outburst' to describe a sudden and intense expression of emotion, often negative like anger or frustration.

• His sudden outburst shocked everyone in the room.
• She apologized for her emotional outburst.

Use 'explosion' to describe a violent and destructive burst, often involving noise and damage. It can be used for physical explosions like bombs and also metaphorically.

• The explosion in the factory caused extensive damage.
• There was an explosion of cheers when the team scored.

Use 'flare' to describe something that suddenly becomes more intense, often related to light or emotions. It can also refer to a bright signal light used in emergencies.

• The match flared before dimming.
• Tensions flared during the heated argument.
• They used a flare to signal for help.

Use 'eruption' to describe a sudden, violent release, often of a natural phenomenon like a volcano. It can also describe a sudden outburst of emotions or actions.

• The volcano's eruption was seen from miles away.
• His anger erupted after hearing the bad news.

Describes a violent and sudden breaking apart due to internal pressure, often involving noise, fire, or smoke. Used for bombs, fireworks, and other explosive materials.

• The bomb exploded with a loud bang
• Fireworks explode in the sky during celebrations

Typically used in a medical or technical context to indicate the breaking or tearing apart of something, especially organs or machines.

• The appendix can rupture if not treated in time
• The tire may rupture if it is overinflated

Indicates a division or breaking apart into distinct pieces, often used for objects such as wood, fabric, or groups of people.

• He split the log with an axe
• The team split into two groups for the project

Describes breaking into many small pieces, typically used for glass, ceramics, or similar materials. Used when something fragile is broken by force.

• The glass vase shattered when it fell off the table
• The window shattered due to the intense pressure