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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Burst: Definition, Usage & Key Examples Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：break open suddenly (burst)

burst 🔊

/bɜːrst/

To break open suddenly because the pressure inside is too great, like a balloon popping.

Burst definition illustrated by a red balloon at breaking point

break open suddenly 🔊

➕

/breɪk ˈəʊpən ˈsʌdənli/

To rupture or split apart violently and noisily, typically because internal pressure has become too great for the container or material to withstand.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'berstan' meaning 'to break suddenly'. Related to Old High German 'brestan'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a balloon going BURST! - that's the sound and action.

📖 Example

The balloon burst with a loud pop after it was filled with too much helium. 🔊 The balloon broke open with a loud popping sound after being overfilled with helium.

🔗 Collocations

burst into flames – to suddenly start burning violently

burst a bubble – to end an illusion or a state of unrealistic happiness

burst at the seams – to be extremely full or crowded

🔄 Synonyms

explode (v.) – To burst or shatter violently and noisily as a result of rapid combustion or internal pressure.

rupture (v.) – To break or burst suddenly, often used for pipes, containers, or bodily tissues.

split (v.) – To break apart, especially along a line or a natural grain, often with less violent connotation.

🚫 Antonyms

mend (v.) – To repair something that is broken or damaged.

seal (v.) – To close something securely to prevent contents from escaping.

hold (v.) – To contain or withstand pressure without breaking.

🌱 Derivatives

bursting (adj./n.) – The act of bursting; or being full to the point of bursting.

outburst (n.) – A sudden release of strong emotion, or a sudden violent occurrence.

📖 Cultural Story

The Old English word 'berstan' described a sudden, violent break. It retains this core meaning of abrupt rupture in modern English, often used for dramatic effect in news headlines about economic bubbles or infrastructure failures.

Meaning 2：start suddenly and energetically (burst)

burst 🔊

/bɜːrst/

To suddenly start doing something with a lot of energy, like laughing or running.

Burst into laughter scene showing friends laughing spontaneously

start suddenly and energetically 🔊

➕

/stɑːt ˈsʌdənli ænd ˌenəˈdʒetɪkli/

To begin an action, emotion, or activity abruptly and with great force or intensity, often spontaneously.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

When the comedian told the final joke, the entire audience burst into laughter and applause. 🔊 Upon hearing the comedian's final joke, the whole crowd suddenly began laughing and clapping enthusiastically.

🔗 Collocations

burst into tears – to suddenly start crying uncontrollably

burst into song – to suddenly start singing, often joyfully

burst onto the scene – to appear suddenly and make a strong impression in a particular field

🔄 Synonyms

erupt (v.) – To break out suddenly and dramatically, often used for emotions, violence, or applause.

break out (v.) – To start suddenly, often used for events like wars, diseases, or applause.

commence (v.) – To begin formally, but can imply a sudden start in certain contexts.

🚫 Antonyms

cease (v.) – To bring or come to an end.

subside (v.) – To become less intense, violent, or severe; to die down.

contain (v.) – To keep something, such as an emotion, within limits; to control.

🌱 Derivatives

burstable (adj.) – (technical, computing) Capable of exceeding a standard rate or limit for a short period.

bursting (adj.) – Full of an emotion or energy to the point of needing expression.