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Surge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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surge

[səːdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

power supply

A sudden powerful forward or upward movement, especially by a crowd or natural force.

Synonyms

increase, rush, spike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surge

Use 'surge' when describing a sudden and powerful increase or movement, often in relation to emotions, electricity, or population. It carries a sense of abruptness and intensity.

  • There was a surge in electricity consumption during the heatwave.
  • He felt a surge of anger when he saw the injustice.
rush

Use 'rush' to describe a hurried movement or a swift approach, often implying urgency or enthusiasm. It can refer to both physical movement and situations involving quick actions.

  • She felt a rush of adrenaline before jumping off the plane.
  • During the holiday season, there is always a rush to buy gifts.
spike

Use 'spike' to describe a sharp and often temporary rise. It is frequently used in contexts such as prices, statistics, and data points, highlighting a notable and sudden change.

  • There was a spike in website traffic after the promotion went live.
  • The unexpected announcement caused a spike in stock prices.
increase

Use 'increase' for a general rise in quantity, size, or degree. It is neutral and widely applicable across various contexts such as economics, population, or temperature.

  • The company reported an increase in profits this quarter.
  • There has been a steady increase in global temperatures.

Examples of usage

  • A surge of electricity
  • The surge of the ocean waves
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A sudden strong, transient increase in a specified attribute or value.

Synonyms

increase, spike, upsurge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surge

Used when describing a sudden and large increase. Often used in the context of emotions, electricity, or occurrences within short time frames.

  • There was a surge of excitement in the room when the team scored.
  • The city experienced a surge in electricity usage during the heatwave.
spike

Specifically refers to a sharp rise followed by a sharp fall. Often used in contexts like statistics, data trends, or prices. This word can sometimes convey a negative connotation.

  • There was a spike in temperatures last weekend.
  • The company noted a spike in demand, but it quickly leveled off.
upsurge

Similar to 'surge,' it describes a rapid and notable increase but is often used more formally and can imply a sustained period of growth.

  • There has been an upsurge in interest in remote work options.
  • The country is witnessing an upsurge in new businesses.
increase

Generally used to describe a growth or rise in numbers, size, or amount over a period of time. It can be applied in most contexts, like business, population, or prices.

  • We've seen a significant increase in sales this quarter.
  • The number of working mothers has been on the increase in recent years.

Examples of usage

  • A surge in blood pressure
  • A surge in COVID-19 cases
Context #3 | Verb

electricity

To increase suddenly and powerfully.

Synonyms

rise, shoot up, spike.

Examples of usage

  • The power surge caused a blackout
  • The voltage surged through the circuit

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Electrical surges can damage devices when there is a sudden increase in voltage.
  • In physics, a surge can describe a rapid change in quantity, such as electrical current or water flow.
  • Oceanographers study tidal surges to understand coastal flooding and navigation.

Pop Culture

  • In the world of gaming, a 'surge' often refers to a powerful ability or effect that can change the game's outcome.
  • Movies and books often depict characters experiencing emotional surges during dramatic moments, heightening tension.
  • The term 'surge' is frequently used in superhero films to describe an exciting, intense moment of power or conflict.

Psychology

  • People can experience emotional surges, where feelings like happiness or anger suddenly become very strong.
  • Research shows that adrenaline surges can enhance performance in stressful situations, like sports or public speaking.
  • Surges in motivation can be influenced by external factors, such as music or inspiring events, boosting individual drive.

Technology

  • Surge protectors are essential devices that help prevent damage to electronics from sudden power spikes.
  • In internet terms, a surge in users on a website can slow down its performance or cause crashes.
  • Data surges in networks can lead to slower speeds or failures, making efficient management essential for developers.

Origin of 'surge'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'surgere', meaning 'to rise up'.
  • In the 19th century, 'surge' was commonly used in maritime language to describe waves going up quickly.
  • The figurative use of the term, like a 'surge of emotion', became popular in the late 20th century.

The word 'surge' originated in the late 15th century from the Middle French word 'surgir', meaning 'to rise'. It has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to sudden powerful movements or increases. The modern usage of 'surge' reflects its historical association with rapid and forceful actions.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,077 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.