noun

eruption

ih-RUHP-shun/ɪˈrʌpʃn/

A sudden bursting out from within.

The volcanic eruption sends a plume skyward as lava flows.

A dramatic volcanic eruption with plume rising and lava flowing, geological event object scene.

Etymology

eLatinout

+ruptLatinto break

+ionLatinaction or process

An eruption is literally a “breaking out,” with the ending naming the event. The same image links a physical burst of lava with a sudden outburst of emotion.

In context

Jay Shetty Podcast58:31

Someone passes away and all of a sudden there's a eruption of love and joy, but it's like they weren't experiencing that while they were alive.

PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS EXCLUSIVE: The Full Story of Her Daughter's Traumatic Birth

More examples

Several small eruptions shake the volcano before dawn.
Her remark sparks an eruption of laughter.
The cream soothes the itchy eruption on his skin.

Forms

eruption · eruptions

erupt verb — To burst out suddenly from within.

Similar words

outburst: Usually emphasizes a sudden expression of emotion or sound.
outbreak: Emphasizes the sudden start of disease, violence, or trouble.
explosion: Emphasizes a violent release of energy, often with a bang.