surge
SERJ
/sɜːrdʒ/
A sudden powerful forward or upward movement; in ridesharing, a temporary increase in prices during high demand.
Implies a rapid, dramatic increase or sudden cresting wave.
The story behind the word. Borrowed from Latin 'surgere' (combining 'sub' meaning up from below and 'regere' meaning to direct), which originally described ocean waves rising and breaking against the coast.
Word relationships
- spike: 'Spike' suggests a sharp, very brief upward point, whereas 'surge' suggests a broader rising wave.
- increase: 'Increase' is neutral, lacking the suddenness and power implied by 'surge'.
- plummet: 'Plummet' means dropping rapidly, opposite to surging.
- slump: 'Slump' is a sudden decline or period of low demand.
Commonly confused with
- serge: 'Serge' is a type of durable woolen fabric, while 'surge' is a sudden rise.
Word family
- surging (adjective): Rising or swelling rapidly.
Collocations
- surge pricing
- price surge
- surge in demand
- surge multiplier
Idioms & expressions
- a surge of energy
Example sentences
- "During the torrential downpour, ride prices experienced a major surge." Ridesharing pricing
- "Demand for rides surges following late-night concerts." News / Finance
Memory hook
A surge makes prices splurge. Ocean wave of high demand.
When not to use
Do not use 'surge' for slow, steady, predictable price increases over years.
Fun facts
- Uber patented their dynamic surge pricing algorithm in 2013 to incentivize more drivers to get onto roads during peak times.
Explore more words
rapid, influx, burgeoning, avalanche, surcharge, Fluctuation
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