burst burst /ˈbɝːst/

noun

1. () The act of exploding or bursting  ( explosion , burst )
   the act of exploding or bursting
    The explosion of the firecrackers awoke the children
   the explosion of the firecrackers awoke the children
    The burst of an atom bomb creates enormous radiation aloft
   the burst of an atom bomb creates enormous radiation aloft
   
   
2. () Rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms  ( fusillade , salvo , burst , volley )
   rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms
    Our fusillade from the left flank caught them by surprise
   our fusillade from the left flank caught them by surprise
   
3. () A sudden flurry of activity (often for no obvious reason)  ( fit , burst )
   a sudden flurry of activity (often for no obvious reason)
    A burst of applause
   a burst of applause
    A fit of housecleaning
   a fit of housecleaning
   
4. A sudden intense happening  ( burst , flare-up , outburst )
   a sudden intense happening
    An outburst of heavy rain
   an outburst of heavy rain
    A burst of lightning
   a burst of lightning
   

verb

1. () Come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure  ( break open , split , burst )
   come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure
    The bubble burst
   The bubble burst
   
2. () Burst outward, usually with noise  ( explode , burst )
   burst outward, usually with noise
    The champagne bottle exploded
   The champagne bottle exploded
   
3. () Force out or release suddenly and often violently something pent up  ( erupt , break , burst )
   force out or release suddenly and often violently something pent up
    Break into tears
   break into tears
    Erupt in anger
   erupt in anger
   
4. () Move suddenly, energetically, or violently  ( burst )
   move suddenly, energetically, or violently
    He burst out of the house into the cool night
   He burst out of the house into the cool night
   
5. () Emerge suddenly  ( burst )
   emerge suddenly
    The sun burst into view
   The sun burst into view
   
6. () Be in a state of movement or action  ( abound , burst , bristle )
   be in a state of movement or action
    The room abounded with screaming children
   The room abounded with screaming children
    The garden bristled with toddlers
   The garden bristled with toddlers
   
7. Break open or apart suddenly and forcefully  ( burst , bust [Informal] )
   break open or apart suddenly and forcefully
    The dam burst
   The dam burst
   
8. Cause to burst  ( burst , collapse )
   cause to burst
    The ice broke the pipe
   The ice broke the pipe