Gush: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing something coming out in a rapid, plentiful stream, often with an emotional or enthusiastic connotation.

• Tears began to gush from her eyes when she heard the good news.
• Water gushed from the broken pipe, flooding the basement.

Utilized to describe a sudden, short burst of liquid or something abstract, implying a quick, momentary action.

• Blood spurted from the cut on her hand.
• The garden hose spurted water when he turned it on.

Best for situations where something breaks open suddenly and forcefully, often with an explosion or strong eruption.

• The balloon burst with a loud pop when it touched the thorn.
• Laughter burst from the audience at the comedian's joke.

Appropriate for describing a smooth, continuous movement of liquid, information, or something abstract.

• Rivers flow gently through the valleys.
• Ideas began to flow as they brainstormed for the project.

Used when describing something being released in a steady stream, usually a liquid or rain, often implying a large quantity.

• She poured milk into the bowl carefully.
• Rain began to pour heavily from the sky.

Typically used to describe a strong, uncontrolled flow of liquid, emotion, or words. Often has a connotation of excessiveness.

• Tears began to gush from her eyes when she heard the news.
• He tends to gush about his new project whenever someone asks.

Used to describe an excess that surpasses the limits, whether it's a physical space or figurative. Can be neutral or negative depending on the context.

• The river overflowed after the heavy rains.
• Her heart overflowed with joy when she saw her newborn baby.

Indicates the gradual release or display of a quality or emotion. Often implies a natural or effortless emanation.

• He exudes confidence in everything he does.
• The plant exudes a sticky sap when its leaves are damaged.

Describes something that emits energy, light, or a quality in all directions. It's often used in a positive or vivid descriptive sense.

• She radiated happiness on her wedding day.
• The sun radiates light and warmth.

Used when describing something that is overflowing with energy or emotion. It has a lively and positive connotation.

• The children were bubbling over with excitement as they waited for the party to start.
• Her enthusiasm for the new project made her practically bubble over.

When a liquid flows out suddenly and in large quantities, often with some force.

• Water began to gush from the broken pipe
• Tears gushed from her eyes as she heard the news

Refers to a sudden, strong forward or upward movement, often powerfully and usually temporarily. It can be used to describe both physical phenomena and emotions or events.

• A surge of waves hit the shore
• There was a surge of excitement in the crowd

Describes a sudden, brief burst of a liquid or other substance, usually in small amounts.

• Blood spurted from the wound
• The tap spurted water after being turned on

Used when referring to a situation where water covers a large area, usually in a negative or catastrophic event. Can also refer to an overwhelming amount of something.

• The river flooded the town after the heavy rains
• She felt a flood of emotions when she saw him

Describes a rapid movement of a substance or people, often implying speed and a sense of urgency.

• There was a rush of water when they opened the dam
• A rush of people entered the store when it opened