# burst

/ˈbɝst/ (US) · /bˈɜːst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/burst
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to break open

verb · CEFR B1

to break open suddenly because there is too much pressure inside.

For teachers: to rupture or break open violently as a result of internal pressure.

- The balloon burst when it touched the sharp branch of the tree.
- The water pipes burst during the night because the temperature dropped well below freezing, causing the water inside to expand.

### 2. to move suddenly

verb · CEFR B2

to move somewhere very quickly and suddenly, often through a door.

For teachers: to enter or exit a space hurriedly and unexpectedly.

- The children burst into the room to show their parents the new puppy.
- The protesters burst through the security gates before the guards had a chance to react to the sudden surge of the crowd.

### 3. to start suddenly

verb · CEFR B1

to suddenly start doing something, like crying, laughing, or singing.

For teachers: to suddenly begin an activity or change state, often used with 'into'.

- The audience burst into laughter after the comedian told the final joke.
- She burst into tears upon hearing the news, unable to contain her relief after weeks of stressful uncertainty.

### 4. a sudden increase

noun · CEFR B2

a short, sudden period of energy, emotion, or activity.

For teachers: a sudden, intense, and brief manifestation or display of something.

- A sudden burst of energy helped him finish the race in first place.
- The athlete relied on a final burst of speed to overtake his rivals in the closing meters of the marathon.

### 5. gunfire or explosion

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a short series of shots from a gun or a sudden explosion.

For teachers: a series of shots fired from an automatic weapon or the detonation of an explosive device.

- We heard a short burst of gunfire coming from the training range.
- The soldiers were trained to fire in short, controlled bursts to maintain accuracy and conserve ammunition during the engagement.

## Examples

- She finished the race with a final burst of speed.
- The quiet afternoon was interrupted by a sudden burst of laughter from the kitchen.
- The athlete relied on a short burst of explosive power to clear the hurdle, demonstrating the physiological difference between endurance and immediate force.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.