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Glite Dictionary
🚪 A violent entry 💥 A sudden outbreak 🦉 A population surge
irruption

irruption

9.9
A sudden large increase in the number of animals in an area
  • noun
  • /ɪˈrʌpʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : irrupción
  • A marked irruption of rabbits occurred this spring, leading to an unusual number of sightings in gardens.

Examples

  • The trigger for the Nile perch irruptions is not known; it is interesting and mysterious that the fish should have persisted for so long and at such low densities before the explosion.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Irruptions are occasional, irregular movements of a significant proportion of a population beyond its usual breeding or nonbreeding area.

    Academic text (2007)

  • Even before the Nile perch irruptions, the Lake Victoria ecosystem probably had already been altered by eutrophication.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Foresters there call the beetle irruption "the largest known insect infestation in North American history," and they point to even more chilling possibilities.

    Blog text (6)

  • During certain years, there can be a sudden irruption of snow geese in the region, filling the skies.

  • The irruption of various bird species in the area has bewildered many local wildlife enthusiasts.

Synonyms

proliferation
vsirruption
  • Specialized
78 9.5

A rapid increase in the number or amount of something

emphasizes a sharp local population spike rather than broad spreading
invasion
vsirruption
52 4.2

A sudden large group of animals or people entering a place

is about a sudden rise in local population numbers rather than just arrival
upsurge
vsirruption
9 5.0

A sudden strong increase in activity or interest

is specifically about sudden rise in animal numbers in an area
upsurgence
vsirruption
8.4

A sudden rise in the number or amount of something

is focused on abrupt local population increases of animals rather than general rise
pullulation
vsirruption
  • Archaic
9.9

A fast, large increase in number, for example shops or plants

involves sudden presence increase in an area rather than internal multiplication

Antonyms

to decline
344 3.7

To become less over time, for example in value or health

to diminish
201 3.7

To become less in size, importance, or value

How Numerous

boom
214 2.8
irruption
  • Specialized
9.9
influx
59 4.1
arrival
68 1.0

Surface Forms

irruption singular
irruptions plural

Morphology

irruption = irrupt (semi-transparent) = ir + rupt + ion

The noun is formed by suffixation from the verb 'irrupt' (in- assimilated to 'ir-') meaning 'burst in', but 'irrupt' and the root 'rupt' are low-frequency/bound elements so many learners may not immediately recognize the components.

Etymology

Irruption comes from the Latin parts in- 'into' and rupt 'to break', the same root in erupt and rupture. So an irruption of animals or birds is like them 'breaking into' an area in large numbers, which explains the meaning of a sudden sharp increase.