eruption
ih-RUP-shun
/ɪˈrʌpʃən/
A sudden burst or explosion, especially of magma, steam, or ash from a volcano.
Connotes violent pressure breaking through a boundary or surface.
The story behind the word. Traces to Latin eruptio, from erumpere meaning 'to break out' (e- 'out' + rumpere 'to break'). It was initially applied to violent military sorties before geologists adopted it to describe volcanoes breaking open.
Word relationships
- outburst: Outburst is used for emotional or vocal discharges rather than geological explosions.
- explosion: Explosion refers broadly to any rapid expansion, while eruption specifically implies breaking out from within.
Commonly confused with
- irruption: Irruption means a sudden bursting INward or invasion, while eruption is a bursting OUTward.
Word family
- erupt (verb): To burst out violently.
- eruptive (adjective): Tending to burst out.
Collocations
- volcanic eruption
- ash eruption
- sudden eruption
- violent eruption
Idioms & expressions
- eruption of anger
Example sentences
- "The volcanic eruption sent a massive plume of ash fifteen miles into the stratosphere." Volcanology report
- "The allergic reaction caused an sudden eruption of red spots across his skin." Medical description
Memory hook
ERUPT = EXRUPT (Exit + Rupture) -> Bursting out! Bursting out with force.
When not to use
Do not use to describe slow lava flows without explosive force or sudden release.
Fun facts
- The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa produced the loudest sound in recorded history, heard nearly 3,000 miles away.
Explore more words
outbreak, magma, igneous, upheaval, break through, breakthrough
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.