Spurted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spurted

[spɜːrtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Spurted is the simple past tense of spurt, which means to flow or issue suddenly and in a burst. It can refer to the sudden release of liquid or the rapid display of energy or movement.

Synonyms

ejected, flowed, gushed.

Examples of usage

  • The oil spurted out of the broken pipe.
  • He spurted forward to catch the bus just in time.
  • Water spurted from the fountain in the park.
  • Blood spurted from the wound, alarming everyone nearby.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, a spurt can describe how liquids behave when pressure is applied, like squeezing a bottle.
  • In biology, some plants spurt sap when cut, helping to seal wounds and protect themselves from pests.
  • During exercise, muscles can spurt energy in quick bursts, which is essential for sprinting or jumping.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters might spurt out lines of dialogue in excitement or surprise, creating humorous moments.
  • In sports, athletes often have spurted performances where they suddenly play exceptionally well for a short period.
  • Cartoons frequently depict characters spurting out water or other substances for comedic effect.

Literature

  • Authors often use the word 'spurted' to vividly describe action scenes or moments of sudden intensity.
  • In poetry, the imagery of something spurting can symbolize emotional outbursts or sudden realizations.
  • Classic novels may illustrate a character's emotions spurting out unexpectedly to enhance drama.

Psychology

  • Emotional responses can spurt out during moments of stress, leading to unexpected laughter or outbursts.
  • Children often spurt their feelings without hesitation, showing how our emotions can come out quickly.
  • In therapy, individuals may learn to express their feelings that have been held in, often resulting in emotional spurts.

Origin of 'spurted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'spurt' comes from an old English word meaning 'to shoot forth' or 'to squirt'.
  • It has been used since the 17th century to describe sudden bursts of liquid or energy.
  • The suffix '-ed' indicates the past tense, making 'spurted' the action that has already happened.

The word 'spurt' originates from the early 19th century and is believed to derive from the Middle English word 'spert', which itself came from the Old Norse word 'spyrta' meaning to 'squirt' or 'spout'. The usage of 'spurted' as the past tense form reflects the action of a sudden release or burst. The verb captures both the physical action of a liquid or substance ejecting forcefully and the metaphorical sense of energy or activity surging forth. Over time, 'spurt' has come to be used in various contexts, including sports (where an athlete might spurt ahead of their competitors) and discussions about emotions (such as a spurt of anger). The evolution of the term illustrates a shift from a purely physical description to a broader application in everyday language.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,862, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.