What does rush mean?
Rush describes speed, urgency, and sudden movement. As a verb, it means to move or act very quickly, usually because time is short or circumstances are demanding: “They rushed to finish the report before the meeting.” As a noun, a rush is a sudden period of fast movement, intense activity, demand, or emotion, as in rush hour or a rush of excitement. The word often implies a lack of calm or careful pacing, but it does not necessarily suggest a positive outcome. For example, someone may rush to help in an emergency, or rush a decision and regret it. Rush is common in everyday speech, journalism, workplace communication, and public descriptions of crowds, traffic, and demand.
To move or act with great speed or urgency.
"He rushed through the morning to arrive on time."
Often implies haste or pressure rather than simply fast movement.
A sudden, hurried movement or a period of intense activity, demand, or emotion.
"The shop experienced a sudden rush of demand."
Common in expressions such as rush hour and a rush of excitement.
Used for separate sudden movements, periods of intense activity, or distinct bursts of demand or emotion.
"The first rushes of customers arrived before the doors opened."
Rush can mean both moving at full speed and a sudden burst of intense activity, linking physical speed with the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of rush
The English word rush developed from Middle English forms connected with hurrying or moving quickly. Its deeper origin is not entirely certain, and older proposed derivations remain disputed. The modern verb and noun forms developed alongside one another, with the noun eventually taking on meanings connected with sudden movement, intense demand, and emotional excitement.
Related word forms
How rush is actually used
In its common senses, rush suggests speed and often urgency or pressure. The noun rush can refer to a sudden burst of activity, demand, or emotion. It is widely used in formal and informal contexts.