WordGarden.ioeruption
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪrˈʌpʃən/
US
- /ˌiˈrəpʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the explosive release of lava, ash, or gas from a volcano
a sudden outbreak or outburst of activity, emotion, or conflict
a rash or outbreak of spots on the skin
More meaningsFewer meanings
the emergence of a tooth through the gum
Beyond the definition
An eruption is not just about volcanoes. While we often picture fiery lava when we hear the word, it can also mean a sudden, forceful outburst of something. It may be a skin eruption, such as a rash appearing on the body, or an emotional eruption, when someone suddenly bursts out in anger.
The most dramatic ones are volcanic, of course, with molten rock, ash, and gas bursting from the Earth. But you can also speak of an eruption of violence, laughter, or applause. The main idea is a strong, often unexpected release of something that has been building up.
The word "eruption" describes a sudden and violent bursting forth: a forceful release of energy, matter, or feeling that has been building up. It is most strongly linked with volcanoes, where molten rock, ash, and gases burst out from beneath the Earth's surface, but its meaning extends far beyond geology.
A volcanic eruption is a spectacular display of nature's power: "The Mount St. Helens eruption devastated the surrounding landscape." But an eruption can also be figurative. You might experience an "eruption of anger" when someone pushes your buttons, or witness an "eruption of applause" after a stunning performance.
In medicine, an eruption can refer to a skin condition such as acne, measles, or an allergic rash: a sudden appearance of bumps, spots, or redness. "The doctor noted a widespread rash, an allergic eruption across her arms." It can also describe the sudden outbreak of conflict: "The border region saw an eruption of violence after years of relative peace."
Essentially, any situation involving a rapid and forceful release of something that has been building up—whether it's lava, emotion, disease, or applause—can be described as an eruption. It implies a powerful, often disruptive event that demands immediate attention.
Examples
- 1
Volcano warning
The village was evacuated after the volcano showed signs of an eruption.
- 2
Air travel
Flights were canceled because ash from the eruption spread across the region.
- 3
Laughter
Her joke caused an eruption of laughter in the meeting.
- Phrasean eruption of laughter
a sudden burst of laughter
- 4
Skin reaction
A small skin eruption appeared on his neck after he tried the new soap.
- Domainskin eruption
a rash or sudden appearance of spots on the skin
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public anger
The court's decision triggered an eruption of anger online.
- Phrasean eruption of anger
a sudden strong expression of anger
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- volcanic eruption
- eruption of lava
- eruption column
- major eruption
Word family
Explore
- volcano
- pyroclastic flow
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- eruptionnoun
Forms
- eruptionspluralnoun