C1verb2K

Burst

UK /["/bɜːst/","/bɜːsts/","/ˈbɜːstɪŋ/"]/US /["/bɜːrst/","/bɜːrsts/","/ˈbɜːrstɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to break open or apart, especially because of pressure from inside; to make something break in this way

In simple words: To break open suddenly.

Examples

  • The balloon will burst if you continue to inflate it.
  • She couldn't hold back her laughter and let out a burst of giggles.
  • The dam was built to prevent water from bursting through the barriers.
  • During the training exercise, a soldier experienced a burst of energy and ran faster than before.
  • He felt a burst of inspiration while hiking in the mountains.

Usage notes

Commonly used to describe something that explodes or breaks apart quickly. Use in informal contexts to describe emotions like laughter or joy, but avoid in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

burst + object

Memory hint

Think of a balloon that bursts suddenly.

Collocations

  • suddenly
  • immediately
  • instantly
  • be about to
  • be going to
  • be ready to
  • out of
  • with
  • be about to
  • be going to
  • be ready to
  • suddenly
  • immediately
  • instantly
  • be about to
  • be going to
  • be ready to
  • out of
  • with
  • be about to
  • be going to
  • be ready to

Synonyms

  • explode
  • shatter
  • rupture
  • pop
  • break

Antonyms

  • heal
  • mend
  • fix

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'bursting' as a verb form.
  • Incorrectly using 'burst' without an object when it should be 'burst into' or similar.
  • Using 'burst' instead of 'bust' in informal contexts.