SKIP TO CONTENT

ebullition

/ˈɛbəˌlɪʃən/

Other forms: ebullitions

Ebullition is an outburst of emotion, like the ebullition from a group of football fans when their team wins the Super Bowl.

This irrepressible noun comes from the Latin root ebullire, "to boil over." In fact, you can even use it in this literal way: "Wait for the ebullition of that pot of water before you put the pasta in!" It's more common to save it for excitement (or anger) that seems to boil over or gush out, like the ebullition of a kindergarten class encountering a roomful of puppies.

Definitions of ebullition
  1. noun
    an unrestrained expression of emotion
    synonyms: blowup, effusion, gush, outburst
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 4 types...
    hide 4 types...
    acting out
    a (usually irritating) impulsive and uncontrollable outburst by a problem child or a neurotic adult
    cry
    a fit of weeping
    explosion
    a sudden outburst
    flare
    a sudden outburst of emotion
    type of:
    expression, manifestation, reflection, reflexion
    expression without words
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘ebullition'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family
EDITOR'S CHOICE

Look up ebullition for the last time

Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.

VocabTrainer - Vocabulary.com's Vocabulary Trainer