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Eruption Definition, Usage & Common Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：sudden outbreak (eruption)
eruption
/ɪˈrʌpʃn/
n.
When a volcano suddenly sends out hot rock, ash, and gases with great force.
sudden outbreak
➕
/sʌdn ˈaʊtbreɪk/
n.
A violent, sudden explosion or ejection of materials, such as lava, ash, and gases, from a volcano.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'erumpere': e- (out) + rumpere (to break), meaning 'to break out'.
💡 Mnemonic
ERUPTion sounds like 'UP' it comes! A sudden, forceful break-UP and burst-UP from within.
📖 Example
Tourists watched in awe from a safe distance as the eruption sent plumes of ash high into the sky.
Tourists observed with amazement from a safe location as the sudden volcanic outbreak propelled massive columns of ash into the atmosphere.
🔗 Collocations
volcanic eruption – the explosion of a volcano
sudden eruption – an explosion that happens without warning
major eruption – a large and significant volcanic event
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
dormancy (n.) – A state of inactivity or sleep, as in a dormant volcano.
subsidence (n.) – The process of sinking or becoming less active or violent.
calm (n.) – A state of peace and quiet.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word originates from Latin 'erumpere,' meaning 'to break out.' It entered English in the 16th century, first describing volcanic events. Its use expanded to medicine (skin eruptions) and metaphorically to describe sudden emotional or social outbursts, reflecting its core idea of a violent, contained force breaking free.
Meaning 2：skin breakout (eruption)
eruption
/ɪˈrʌpʃn/
n.
A sudden appearance of spots or rashes on the skin, like pimples.
skin breakout
➕
/skɪn ˈbreɪkaʊt/
n.
The sudden appearance of spots, rashes, or lesions on the skin's surface.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Too much greasy food before the exam caused an eruption of acne on his forehead.
Consuming excessive oily food prior to the test triggered a sudden breakout of pimples on his forehead.
🔗 Collocations
skin eruption – a sudden appearance of a rash or spots on the skin
cause an eruption – to trigger a breakout
painful eruption – a breakout that causes discomfort
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
clear skin (n.) – Skin that is free from blemishes or eruptions.
healing (n.) – The process of becoming sound or healthy again.
🌱 Derivatives
erupt (v.) – (of the skin) to develop spots or a rash.
Meaning 3：outburst (eruption)
eruption
/ɪˈrʌpʃn/
n.
A sudden, strong expression of emotion or activity, such as loud laughter, anger, or applause.
outburst
➕
/ˈaʊtbɜːrst/
n.
A sudden, vigorous, and often noisy expression of emotion or activity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
There was a spontaneous eruption of laughter from the audience when the comedian told his hilarious joke.
An immediate and unrestrained outburst of laughter came from the crowd after the comedian delivered his extremely funny joke.
🔗 Collocations
eruption of applause – a sudden, loud burst of clapping
eruption of anger – a sudden, intense display of fury
spontaneous eruption – a burst of emotion or action that happens naturally without planning
🔄 Synonyms
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