erupt

1. 1

   To eject something violently (such as lava or water, as from a volcano or geyser).intransitive

   • The volcano erupted, spewing lava across a wide area.
2. 2

   To burst forth; to break out.intransitive

   • The third molar tooth erupts late in most people, and sometimes does not appear at all.
3. 3

   To spontaneously release pressure or tension.figurativelyintransitive

   • The crowd erupted in anger.
   • The whole table erupted in laughter.
4. 4

   (Of birds, insects, etc.) To suddenly appear in a certain region in large numbers.intransitive

   • After particularly good seasons, flocks "erupt" from their breeding grounds and appear in reed beds where they have not been seen for years, if ever.

syn. burst