n.
Pronunciation: ' b ə rst
Function: verb
Inflected Form: burst also burst · ed ; burst · ing
Etymology: Middle English bersten, from Old English berstan; akin to Old High German brestan to burst
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1 : to break open, apart, or into pieces usually from impact or from pressure from within
2 a : to give way from an excess of emotion <my heart will burst > b : to give vent suddenly to a repressed emotion < burst into tears> < burst out laughing>
3 a : to emerge or spring suddenly < burst out of the house> < burst onto the scene> b : LAUNCH , PLUNGE < burst into song>
4 : to be filled to the breaking point < burst ing with excitement> <a crate burst ing with fruit>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to burst < burst a balloon>
2 a : to force open (as a door or a way) by strong or vigorous action b : to flood over <the river burst its banks>
3 : to produce by or as if by bursting
– burst at the seams : to be larger, fuller, or more crowded than could reasonably have been anticipated