# ruptured

/ˈɹəptʃɝd/ (US) · /ɹˈʌptʃəd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ruptured
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

broken or burst open suddenly. You use this to describe something that has a hole or a tear in it, like a pipe or a part of your body.

For teachers: having suffered a structural break or burst, typically due to internal pressure or physical trauma. Often used predicatively after 'is' or 'has become'.

## Examples

- The plumber fixed the ruptured water pipe.
- The athlete had to undergo surgery after a ruptured tendon ended his season prematurely.
- Emergency crews worked through the night to contain the floodwaters after a ruptured levee allowed the river to breach the town's primary defenses.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a participial adjective describing a physical state; frequently pairs with medical or technical nouns like 'appendix', 'disc', or 'seal'.

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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.