Words / B2

i-RUPT/ɪˈrʌpt/

To erupt is what a volcano does, or how violence and feeling burst out: the volcano erupted; fighting erupted. Explode is close for bombs; break out is close for violence. Violence erupted after the late goal. Noun: eruption. Do not use erupt for a slow leak.

Meaning

Of a volcano, to throw out lava and ash; also of violence or feeling, to start suddenly.

Examples

• “Violence erupted outside the ground after the late goal.”
• “Ash closed the airport after the volcano erupted, which is the geological sense.”

Good to know

a volcano erupts; violence / applause erupted. Noun: eruption. Close (fighting): break out. Close (bombs): explode. Geology and news. Sudden.

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