burst

¹burst

verb \ˈbərst\

burst also burst·edburst·ing

Definition of BURST

intransitive verb

1

: to break open, apart, or into pieces usually from impact or from pressure from within

2

a : to give way from an excess of emotion <my heart will burst> b : to give vent suddenly to a repressed emotion <burst into tears> <burst out laughing>

3

a : to emerge or spring suddenly <burst out of the house> <burst onto the scene> b : launch, plunge <burst into song>

4

: to be filled to the breaking point <bursting with excitement> <a crate bursting with fruit>

transitive verb

1

: to cause to burst <burst a balloon>

2

a : to force open (as a door or a way) by strong or vigorous action b : to flood over <the river burst its banks>

3

: to produce by or as if by bursting

— burst at the seams

: to be larger, fuller, or more crowded than could reasonably have been anticipated

Examples of BURST

1. Two of the water pipes burst.
2. He burst a blood vessel.
3. The doors suddenly burst open.
4. The cops burst the door open.
5. He burst into the room.
6. The sun burst through the clouds.
7. She burst through the door and yelled “Surprise!”.

Origin of BURST

Middle English bersten, from Old English berstan; akin to Old High German brestan to burst

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to BURST

Synonyms: blow, blow up, explode, crump, detonate, go off, pop

Antonyms: implode

Related Words: fragment, shatter, smash, splinter; discharge, fire, shoot; balloon, burgeon (also bourgeon), mushroom

Near Antonyms: collapse, fizzle

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with BURST

cursed, erst, first, Hearst, thirst, verst, worst