GREAT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.9

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

spurt

verb

/spɜrt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of spurt

To move or gush with a sudden burst of speed.
"The athlete sprinted down the track, giving a sudden spurt of speed."

Detailed meaning of spurt

The verb "spurt" typically refers to a sudden, forceful, and brief outpouring or release of something, often characterized by a rapid and vigorous movement or flow. It implies a sudden burst or surge of energy, liquid, or other substances in a concentrated and powerful manner. The act of spurting involves a swift and intense propulsion, often in a specific direction or trajectory. For instance, a hose may spurt water when the pressure is abruptly increased, or a burst pipe may cause water to spurt out forcefully. It can also describe the sudden ejection or discharge of fluids from living organisms, such as blood spurting from a wound or a fountain of water spurted by a whale. The term "spurt" conveys a sense of urgency, intensity, and rapidity, as if something is propelled or released with great force and speed, making a noticeable and immediate impact.

Example sentences containing spurt

1. The baby squeezed the bottle, causing milk to spurt out.
2. The ketchup bottle was clogged, but a hard tap made the sauce spurt onto the fries.
3. The chef squeezed the pastry bag, causing cream to spurt onto the cake.
4. The pressure in the soda can built up, causing it to spurt when opened.
5. The water spurt from the faucet, creating a refreshing spray.
6. He squeezed the lemon, causing juice to spurt onto the fish.

History and etymology of spurt

The verb 'spurt' has an onomatopoeic quality to its etymology, as it imitates the sudden, swift motion it describes. It originated in Middle English and was likely influenced by the sound of a quick burst of movement or liquid being expelled. The word 'spurt' evolved from the Old Norse term 'spurta,' which meant 'to spout or spurt out.' Over time, 'spurt' came to signify any sudden, rapid movement, often accompanied by a burst of energy, making it an apt term to describe actions or processes that accelerate or surge momentarily. This etymology underscores the vivid imagery associated with the word 'spurt,' where speed and intensity come together to create a dynamic and forceful expression of movement.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb spurt:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of spurt

1. The tire punctured, causing air to spurt out rapidly.
2. The volcano erupted, spewing hot lava and ash in a powerful spurt.
3. The hose suddenly developed a leak, causing water to spurt uncontrollably.
4. The pressure in the pipe increased, causing water to spurt forcefully.
5. He accidentally nicked his finger, causing blood to spurt from the wound.
6. The ink cartridge ran out, and only a feeble spurt of ink came out of the pen.
7. The athlete sprinted and felt a burst of energy spurt through his legs.
8. She bit into the juicy orange, causing a burst of citrus juice to spurt into her mouth.
9. He poked the balloon with a pin, and it burst, sending a sudden spurt of air outwards.
10. The sprinter will spurt ahead in the final stretch.
11. A burst of energy made her spurt past the competition.
12. The car engine suddenly sputtered and then spurted.
13. The fountain will spurt water into the air.
14. Adrenaline made his heart spurt with excitement.
15. The hose spurted water when he turned it on.
16. The rocket engine will spurt flames during liftoff.
17. Laughter caused milk to spurt from her nose.
18. The athlete's speed will spurt during the race.
19. The champagne bottle spurted when he popped the cork.
20. The wound began to spurt blood, alarming everyone.
21. Tears started to spurt from her eyes uncontrollably.
22. The oil well spurted black gold into the sky.
23. The pressure caused the soda can to spurt upon opening.
24. The hose spurted water with great force.
25. With a sudden jolt, the car spurted forward.
26. The broken pipe spurted water into the basement.
27. The steam engine spurted as it powered forward.
28. He felt a spurt of adrenaline before the big jump.
29. The burst of speed will spurt them ahead in the race.