C1noun2K

Surge

UK /["/sɜːdʒ/"]/US /["/sɜːrdʒ/"]/

Definition

a sudden increase of a strong feeling

In simple words: A sudden increase or rush of something.

Examples

There was a sudden surge in electricity demand during the heatwave.
The hospital saw a surge of patients after the accident.
A surge of adrenaline helped him finish the race despite the pain.
During the storm, a surge of seawater flooded the coastal roads.
There was a sudden surge in stock prices after the company announced the merger.
In response to the news, a surge of hope spread throughout the crowd.

Usage notes

Use 'surge' in situations describing a quick rise (like emotions or numbers). Avoid in overly formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

surge + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'surge' in energy; imagine a wave crashing suddenly.

Collocations

great
huge
sudden
experience
feel
get
sweep something
sweep over somebody
sweep through somebody
with a surge
surge of
big
dramatic
great
surge in
surge of
a surge forward
big
dramatic
great
surge in
surge of
a surge forward
big
dramatic
great
surge in
surge of
a surge forward

Synonyms

rush

Antonyms

decline
drop
diminish

Common mistakes

Confusing 'surge' with 'surgeon'
Using 'surge' in a passive form incorrectly
Mistaking 'surge' as always positive; it can refer to negative situations too.