[surge] vb surged ; surg.ing [MF sourge-, stem of sourdre to rise, surge, fr. L surgere to go straight up, rise, fr. sub- up + regere to lead straight--more at sub-, right] vi (1511) 1: to rise and fall actively: toss "a ship surging in heavy seas"
2: to rise and move in waves or billows: swell
3: to slip around a windlass, capstan, or bitts--used esp. of a rope
4: to rise suddenly to an excessive or abnormal value "the stock market ~ed to a record high"
5: to move with a surge or in surges "felt the blood surging into his face --Harry Hervey" ~ vt: to let go or slacken gradually (as a rope) "~ a hawser to prevent its parting"
[2]surge n (1520) 1: a swelling, rolling, or sweeping forward like that of a wave or series of waves "a ~ 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: the tapered part of a windlass barrel or a capstan
4. a: a movement (as a slipping or slackening) of a rope or cable b: a sudden jerk or strain caused by such a movement
5: a transient sudden rise of current or voltage in an electrical circuit