WordGarden.ioburst
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈɜːst/
US
- /ˈbɜrst/
Meanings
Verb
to break open or apart suddenly, often from pressure
to move, appear, or come out suddenly and forcefully
to suddenly begin expressing a strong feeling
Noun
an instance of something breaking open or apart suddenly
a sudden short period or amount of activity, sound, light, or feeling
a short series of shots fired from a gun
Beyond the definition
A burst can be the dramatic breaking of something—like a balloon bursting because of too much air! But it is also used to describe a sudden, intense outpouring of activity or emotion. A burst of laughter, a burst of speed, or even a burst of anger all describe things happening quickly and powerfully. Think of fireworks bursting in the sky—a brilliant, fleeting explosion of light and color.
You might see a water pipe burst during a freeze, causing chaos. Or, you could burst into tears when hearing sad news. Sometimes, people even burst out of a room to escape a tense situation! The word suggests something contained that is suddenly released. In literature, you might read about a "burst of inspiration" that leads an artist to create their masterpiece.
The word "burst" describes a sudden and often forceful breaking open, rupture, or release. It can refer to the physical rupture of an object—like a balloon bursting from being overinflated or a dam bursting under immense pressure. "The old tire burst on the highway" paints a vivid picture of a sudden and dramatic mechanical failure.
However, "burst" is not limited to physical breaks; it is frequently used to describe sudden increases in activity, emotion, or quantity. A burst of energy might get you through a tough workout, while a burst of applause typically follows a great performance. You can experience a burst of inspiration that sparks creativity or a burst of anger when provoked.
As a verb, "to burst" implies a quick and often unexpected action. Someone might burst into song, burst with pride, or even burst through a door in an emergency. It conveys the sense of pent-up energy or emotion finally being set free.
Figuratively, "a bubble bursting" represents the end of a period of prosperity or unrealistic optimism. In technical contexts, it can refer to a sudden surge, such as a "burst of growth" or "bursty" data transmission in computing. Ultimately, whether it is a physical rupture, an emotional outburst, or a surge of activity, "burst" always implies a rapid and powerful release—a moment where something contained can no longer hold itself back.
Examples
- 1
Plumbing accident
A pipe burst in the kitchen while we were away.
- 2
Sudden entrance
She burst into the office without knocking.
- 3
Sudden crying
When they told him the news, he burst into tears.
- Phraseburst into tears
suddenly start crying
- 4
Sudden laughter
At the last joke, the whole class burst out laughing.
- Phraseburst out laughing
suddenly start laughing
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Fire
The car caught fire and burst into flames within minutes.
- Phraseburst into flames
suddenly start burning
- 6
Full container
Her suitcase was bursting with clothes.
- Patternbursting with + thing
extremely full of it
- 7
Eagerness
He was bursting to tell us what had happened.
- Patternbursting to + verb
wanting very badly to do it
- 8
Energy
I always get a burst of energy after my afternoon coffee.
- Patterna burst of + thing
a short sudden amount of it
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- burstnounverb
Forms
- burstspluralnounverb
- bursting-ing formverbnoun