What does "burst forth" mean (sense 1)?

To emerge suddenly, powerfully, and often unexpectedly from a confined space. Example: "Water burst forth from the broken pipe and flooded the entire basement."

What does "burst forth" mean (sense 2)?

(Literary) To appear or begin suddenly and with great vitality, especially in nature. Example: "In spring, wildflowers burst forth across the meadow as if overnight."

What does "burst forth" mean (sense 3)?

To suddenly begin to express a strong emotion such as laughter, tears, or anger. Example: "He burst forth with a passionate defence of his beliefs that silenced the entire room."

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burst forth

B2 formal inseparable intransitive

To emerge suddenly and with great force or energy, especially in a literary or elevated register.

In plain English

To suddenly come out strongly and with a lot of energy.

What does "burst forth" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 neutral

uncommon

To emerge suddenly, powerfully, and often unexpectedly from a confined space.

"Water burst forth from the broken pipe and flooded the entire basement."

inseparable

2 B2 formal

uncommon

(Literary) To appear or begin suddenly and with great vitality, especially in nature.

"In spring, wildflowers burst forth across the meadow as if overnight."

“

Out of the cradle endlessly rocking... a reminiscence sing... Burst forth, to the free, to the open air.
— Walt Whitman, 'Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking' (1859)

inseparable

3 C1 idiomatic formal

rare

To suddenly begin to express a strong emotion such as laughter, tears, or anger.

"He burst forth with a passionate defence of his beliefs that silenced the entire room."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To burst (explode outward) and go forth (forward/outward).

Actually means

To suddenly come out strongly and with a lot of energy.

Usage tip

Primarily literary and elevated in register. More commonly found in written prose, poetry, and speeches than in everyday conversation. Often used for natural imagery (water, light, flowers) or sudden emotional expression.

Words that pair with "burst forth"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

light water laughter flowers anger song

How to conjugate "burst forth"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base

burst forth

I/you/we/they

3rd person

bursts forth

he/she/it

Past simple

bursted forth

yesterday

Past participle

bursted forth

have + pp

-ing form

bursting forth

continuous

Hear "burst forth" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "burst forth" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.

All phrasal verbs with "burst" All phrasal verbs with "forth" More B2-level phrasal verbs