What does surge mean?
A surge is a sudden, often dramatic increase in quantity, intensity, movement, or activity. The noun can describe a sharp rise in demand, prices, public interest, or electrical voltage, as well as a powerful forward movement such as a wave advancing across the shore. Used as a verb, surge means to rise, gather, or move forward with sudden force. The word frequently conveys urgency and unpredictability: a surge in enthusiasm can transform an event, while a surge in demand can strain a business or system. Its familiar examples include a power surge during a storm and a surge in prices after a sudden shortage. Although the word is used in both British and American English, it is especially associated with contexts involving electricity, crowds, water, markets, and strong emotional or physical reactions.
A sudden increase in amount, intensity, or activity, or a sudden powerful movement.
"The announcement caused a surge of interest in the project."
Often used for a rapid, temporary increase, especially in demand, emotion, activity, price, or electrical voltage.
To increase suddenly and sharply, or to move forward with sudden force.
"The crowd surged toward the entrance when the doors opened."
Can describe a rapid rise in a quantity or level, or a powerful forward movement of people, water, or energy.
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The city has experienced several surges in demand for public transport."
From the Latin word for “to rise,” surge captures the sudden upward movement of a wave, a price, or a crowd's excitement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does surge come from?
The word comes through French from Latin surgere, meaning “to rise.” The same Latin root also underlies insurgent and related words concerning a rising against authority. In English, surge developed in the modern period for both rapid increases and forceful upward or forward movements.
Related word forms
How surge is actually used
The noun and verb are common in both formal and informal English. A surge often suggests a rapid, temporary increase that may be difficult to control; in electrical contexts, it specifically refers to a brief rise in voltage.