burst

burst · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To break open or apart suddenly, especially from internal pressure.

  2. 2.

    To enter or leave suddenly and forcefully.

  3. 3.

    To be very full; to overflow.

  4. 4.

    A sudden breaking or explosion.

  5. 5.

    A sudden brief occurrence or display.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    burst into tears — To suddenly start crying.
  • •
    burst out laughing — To suddenly start laughing.
  • •
    burst someone's bubble — To destroy someone's illusions.
  • •
    burst at the seams — To be extremely full.

Related words

Antonyms: close, seal
See also: bursting, bursts, explode, rupture
Synonyms: break, explode, pop, rupture

Etymology

From Old English "berstan" (to break suddenly), from Proto-Germanic "*brestaną."