What does burst mean?
Burst is a versatile English word describing sudden, violent breaking or eruption. In its most concrete sense, it applies to things that give way abruptly under pressure: a tire bursts, a pipe bursts in freezing weather, a balloon bursts at a child's party. Just as often it is used figuratively for human emotion and action that surges forth without restraint — someone bursts into tears, bursts into laughter, or bursts through a door. It also functions as a noun, naming both the moment of rupture itself and brief, intense surges of activity, as in a burst of speed, a burst of gunfire, or a burst of applause. The word is neutral in register, appearing everywhere from technical writing about plumbing to literary description. Its power lies in its implication of pressure built up and released all at once, which makes it a vivid choice whenever gradual change gives way to sudden release.
To break open or apart suddenly and violently, typically from internal pressure.
"The boiler burst, sending steam hissing across the room."
Often used idiomatically with "into" or "out of" for sudden emotional expression.
A sudden breaking apart, or a brief, intense surge of activity, sound, or effort.
"The runner made a final burst of speed down the home stretch."
Used when referring to multiple instances of sudden breaking or multiple short surges.
"Machine-gun fire came in sharp bursts from the ridge above."
"Burst" once meant the same thing as "break" — it's the Old English verb that got squeezed, pressurized, and specialized into the word for sudden rupture we use today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of burst
Burst descends directly from Old English berstan, meaning to break or shatter, making it one of the older native verbs in English rather than a borrowing. It is related to similar Germanic forms, notably German bersten, reflecting a shared Proto-Germanic origin. Over time the verb narrowed from general breaking toward the specific idea of violent rupture under pressure, while also developing rich figurative uses for emotional and physical surges. The noun sense grew naturally out of the verb.
Related word forms
How burst is actually used
Highly common in both literal and figurative use; the figurative uses with "into" or "out of" (burst into flames, burst out crying) are idiomatic and very frequent in everyday speech. Register is neutral — equally at home in news reporting and casual conversation.
Easily confused with burst
"Burst" means to break open suddenly, while "bust" means to break something (or fail financially) — they sound alike but differ in meaning.