First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1burst
verb \ˈbərst\
: to break open or into pieces in a sudden and violent way
: to cause (something) to break open or into pieces
: to open suddenly
burst also burst·edburst·ing
Full Definition of BURST
intransitive verb
1
: to break open, apart, or into pieces usually from impact or from pressure from within
2
a : to give way from an excess of emotion <my heart will burst> b : to give vent suddenly to a repressed emotion <burst into tears> <burst out laughing>
3
4
: to be filled to the breaking point <bursting with excitement> <a crate bursting with fruit>
transitive verb
1
: to cause to burst <burst a balloon>
2
a : to force open (as a door or a way) by strong or vigorous action b : to flood over <the river burst its banks>
3
: to produce by or as if by bursting
— burst at the seams
: to be larger, fuller, or more crowded than could reasonably have been anticipated
See burst defined for English-language learners
See burst defined for kids
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Origin of BURST
Middle English bersten, from Old English berstan; akin to Old High German brestan to burst
2burst
noun
: a short period of producing or doing something that begins suddenly
: an act of breaking open or into pieces : the result of something breaking open or into pieces
Full Definition of BURST
1
2
: an act of bursting
3
: a result of bursting; especially : a visible puff accompanying the explosion of a shell
See burst defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BURST
1610
BURSTING Defined for Kids
1burst
verb \ˈbərst\
burstburst·ing
Definition of BURST for Kids
1
: to break open or in pieces (as by an explosion from within) <bombs bursting in air> <buds bursting open>
2
: to suddenly show emotion <He burst into tears.>
3
: to come or go suddenly <He burst into the room.>
4
: to be filled to the maximum <The puppy is bursting with energy.>
2burst
noun
Definition of BURST for Kids
: a sudden release or effort <a burst of laughter> <a burst of energy>
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