gush
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to flow out suddenly and in a large amount.
v.to emit or flow forth suddenly and in great volume; can be used transitively or intransitively.
Simple“Water started to gush out of the broken pipe in the basement.”
In context“Oil began to gush from the well at an alarming rate, overwhelming the initial containment measures installed by the crew.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
v.to speak or write with so much enthusiasm that it seems a bit too much.
v.to express oneself with exaggerated enthusiasm, praise, or emotion. Often carries a slightly negative connotation of being insincere or overwhelming.
Simple“I wish she wouldn't gush over my new car; it's just a normal vehicle.”
In context“The critics began to gush about the lead actor's performance, using superlatives that many felt were somewhat premature given the film's weak script.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a sudden, strong flow of liquid.
n.a sudden and rapid physical outflow of a fluid.
Simple“A gush of cold air entered the room when he opened the window.”
In context“The sudden gush of water from the dam's release valve sent a powerful surge down the dry riverbed.”
From Middle English guschen, gusshen, gosshien, perhaps from Middle Dutch guysen (“to flow out with a gurgling sound, gush”) or Old Norse gusa (“to gush”), ultimately imitative. Compare Old Norse geysa (“to gush”), German gießen (“to pour”), Old English ġēotan ("to pour"; > English yote). Related to gust.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.