First Known Use: 1511
Dictionary
1surge
verb \ˈsərj\
: to move very quickly and suddenly in a particular direction
: to suddenly increase to an unusually high level
surgedsurg·ing
Full Definition of SURGE
intransitive verb
1
: to rise and fall actively : toss <a ship surging in heavy seas>
2
: to rise and move in waves or billows : swell <the sea was surging>
3
: to slip around a windlass, capstan, or bitts —used especially of a rope
4
: to rise suddenly to an excessive or abnormal value <the stock market surged to a record high>
5
: to move with a surge or in surges <felt the blood surging into his face — Harry Hervey> <she surged past the other runners>
transitive verb
: to let go or slacken gradually (as a rope)
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Origin of SURGE
2surge
noun
: a sudden, large increase
: a sudden movement of many people
: a large wave of water
Full Definition of SURGE
1
: a swelling, rolling, or sweeping forward like that of a wave or series of waves <a surge of interest>
2
a : a large wave or billow : swell b (1) : a series of such swells or billows (2) : the resulting elevation of water level
3
a : a movement (as a slipping or slackening) of a rope or cable b : a sudden jerk or strain caused by such a movement
4
: a transient sudden rise of current or voltage in an electrical circuit
See surge defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SURGE
1520
SURGE Defined for Kids
1surge
verb \ˈsərj\
surgedsurg·ing
Definition of SURGE for Kids
1
: to rise suddenly and greatly <Prices have surged recently.>
2
: to move suddenly and quickly in a particular direction <Crowds were surging through the streets.>
2surge
noun
Definition of SURGE for Kids
1
: a rush like that of a wave <She felt a surge of anger.>
2
: a large wave <surges of water>
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