burst

Everyday

1. To burst is to break open suddenly because there is too much inside, like a balloon or a pipe. tree →
2. To burst into or out of a place is to go in or out very suddenly. tree →
3. To burst into tears, laughter or song is to start doing it suddenly. tree →
4. A burst is a short, sudden amount of something, like a burst of speed or a burst of noise. tree →
5. To be bursting means to be very full or to want something very much. tree →

In the lessons

In science, a balloon bursts when the air pressure inside is too great for the rubber; a burst pipe leaks water. In stories, burst shows sudden action or strong feelings. In everyday life a burst water pipe or burst tyre needs an adult quickly. Phrases: burst into tears, burst out laughing, burst open, a burst of energy, bursting with pride, burst a bubble.

Examples

• The balloon burst with a loud pop. tree →
• A pipe burst and water flooded the kitchen. tree →
• Tom burst into the room, shouting the news. tree →
• The baby burst into tears. tree →
• We all burst out laughing at the joke. tree →
• The runner put on a burst of speed at the end. tree →
• I'm bursting to tell you my secret. tree →
• The bag was bursting with toys. tree →
• Anastasia trembled, and burst into tears. tree →

Note

The past form is burst, not "bursted": Yesterday the balloon burst. "Bust" is a slang word for burst or broken; in writing use burst. "Burst into" is followed by a noun: burst into flames, burst into song.

In Jewish tradition

In Sefer Yetzirah the "burst forth" is about the ten sefirot, which run out and back like a flash. The tradition reads this as a picture of their constant motion at God's command. In the prophets God "bursts" the bonds of a people's slavery, and Job feels ready to burst like new wine-skins full of words.

Interpretation. The rabbis read the breaking of the yoke and bonds as a promise of freedom from oppression.

Examples

• The word of God is in them as they burst forth, and as they return; they obey the divine command, rushing along as a whirlwind, returning to prostrate themselves at his throne. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1887) tree →
• And now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder. (Prophets NAM.1.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, mine inwards are as wine which hath no vent; like new wine-skins which are ready to burst. (Writings JOB.32.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands, and thou saidst: 'I will not transgress'; upon every high hill and under every leafy tree thou didst recline, playing the harlot. (Prophets JER.2.20, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

The past form is burst, not "bursted": Yesterday the balloon burst. "Bust" is a slang word for burst or broken; in writing use burst. "Burst into" is followed by a noun: burst into flames, burst into song.