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to burst

to burst

164 1.4
Break open suddenly because of pressure inside
  • verb
  • /bɜrst/
translation icon : reventar
  • An instant later, the intruder bursts through the door and leaps at her.
  • burst open
  • the pipe burst
  • burst under pressure

And suddenly the whole bubble bursts open, cracking the bubble open, you know.

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Examples

  • We can survey dams and reservoirs, tell them one's gonna burst.

  • I'm surprised the pipe didn't burst.

  • The dam will burst before we make it.

  • Burst like a water balloon on impact.

  • In the wake of Tuesday night's explosion, investigators from the New York City Fire Department are still at a loss to explain... why the restaurant suddenly burst into flames, killing at least 35 people.

  • If a low-pressure boiler did burst, the damage could be substantial, but hopefully not disastrous.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Overnight the balloon burst.

  • The balloon will burst if you keep blowing air into it.

  • When the soda can was shaken, it burst open, spraying everyone nearby.

  • The overripe fruit began to burst with juice when I picked it up.

Synonyms

to blow
vsto burst
3.5

To break suddenly because of pressure or too much electricity

is specifically a sudden violent opening caused by internal pressure rather than simple failure
to explode
vsto burst
579 2.8

To burst suddenly and violently, making a loud noise and flying pieces

often happens because of built up internal pressure rather than energy release
to bust
vsto burst
  • Informal
553 4.0

To break something so it does not work

is a sudden violent opening, not just casual damage or ruin
to blow up
vsto burst
534 2.7

To cause something to explode violently

is sudden and violent but specifically often due to internal pressure
to split
vsto burst
513 1.3

To break something into two or more parts

is a sudden violent opening rather than a simple dividing or cutting action
to detonate
vsto burst
192 6.5

Cause something like a bomb or firework to explode suddenly and violently

comes from internal pressure rather than being set off by a device
to snap
vsto burst
167 2.3

Break suddenly and completely, often with a sharp noise

is usually caused by internal pressure and a violent outward opening
to pop
vsto burst
149 1.0

To burst or make something burst with a sudden sound

is stronger and more violent, often breaking open because of internal pressure
to erupt
vsto burst
123 4.2

To suddenly start in a strong or violent way, often showing strong feeling

is mainly for physical violent openings from internal pressure rather than events
to shatter
vsto burst
72 2.8

To break suddenly into many small pieces, like glass

is a sudden violent opening that may not create many small pieces
to break open
vsto burst
13 2.1

To open something suddenly by force, for example a locked door or jar

happens because of internal pressure rather than outside force

Antonyms

840 1.4

To remain true or valid in a situation

457 2.5

To close something tightly to stop air or water getting in

Idioms

To become very angry or upset in a way people notice

Tell someone that something they hoped for is not true

Phrasal Verbs

To suddenly cry because of a strong feeling

21 3.3

To enter a room suddenly and interrupt people

9 3.3

Suddenly say something or make a loud sound

8 2.4

To suddenly start laughing loudly and not be able to stop

Suddenly start to happen with a lot of energy

Go into a room or conversation suddenly and interrupt people

2 3.4

Start suddenly and appear or happen quickly

Suddenly appear in a place or in someone's mind and surprise people

Compounds

A sudden strong taste in food or drink

A sudden strong flash of flames or energy that happens quickly

7.7

A sudden strong argument that ends a relationship or situation

How Violent

to explode
579 2.8
to burst
164 1.4
to break
1.0
to split
513 1.3
to crack
311 1.0

Surface Forms

burst infinitive
burst past
burst past participle
bursting present participle
bursts third person singular

Etymology

Burst comes from an old German word berstan meaning 'to break' or 'split'. So to burst is to break open suddenly, often from pressure.