I. ˈsərj verb
( surged ; surg·ing )
Etymology: earlier, to ride (at anchor) probably in part from Middle French sourgir to cast anchor, land, from Catalan surgir to heave, cast anchor, from Latin surgere to rise, spring up; from sub- up + regere to lead straight; in part from Latin surgere — more at sub- , right
Date: 1511
intransitive verb
1. : to rise and fall actively : toss
a ship surging in heavy seas
2. : to rise and move in waves or billows : swell
the sea was surging
3. : to slip around a windlass, capstan, or bitts — used especially of a rope
4. : to rise suddenly to an excessive or abnormal value
the stock market surge ed to a record high
5. : to move with a surge or in surges
felt the blood surging into his face — Harry Hervey
she surged past the other runners
transitive verb
: to let go or slacken gradually (as a rope)
II. noun
Date: 1520
1. : a swelling, rolling, or sweeping forward like that of a wave or series of waves
a surge of interest
2.
a. : a large wave or billow : swell
b.
(1) : a series of such swells or billows
(2) : the resulting elevation of water level
3.
a. : a movement (as a slipping or slackening) of a rope or cable
b. : a sudden jerk or strain caused by such a movement
4. : a transient sudden rise of current or voltage in an electrical circuit