surge

Everyday

1. A surge is a sudden, strong rush forward of water, people or something else. tree →
2. A surge is a sudden increase, like a surge of energy or a surge in prices. tree →
3. To surge is to move forward or rise suddenly and powerfully. tree →
4. A power surge is a sudden jump in electricity that can damage machines. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and safety lessons, a storm surge is when strong winds push sea water high onto land, causing floods. In science, a power surge can damage computers, so people use surge protectors. In stories, crowds «surge forward» and feelings «surge» through a character. Phrases: «storm surge», «power surge», «a surge of anger».

Examples

• The crowd surged towards the stage. tree →
• A huge wave surged over the wall. tree →
• The storm surge flooded the streets by the sea. tree →
• She felt a surge of excitement. tree →
• There was a surge in visitors at the zoo in the holidays. tree →
• A power surge broke our television. tree →
• The river surged after the heavy rain. tree →
• Our team surged ahead in the second half. tree →
• From those dark-green surges there gaped at him monstrous and cavernous jaws; and round, wicked, red-rimmed, bulging eyes stared fixedly at the boat. tree →

Note

Countable noun: a surge, surges. Past form: surged. Do not confuse with «serge», a kind of cloth, which sounds the same. Safety: when a storm surge is warned, move away from the coast.