Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense surges, present participle surging, past tense, past participle surged
1. countable noun [usually singular]
A surge is a sudden large increase in something that has previously been steady, or has only increased or developed slowly.
Specialists see various reasons for the recent surge in inflation. [+ in]
The anniversary is bound to bring a new surge of interest in the poet's work. [+ of]
Synonyms: rush, rise, growth, boost More Synonyms of surge
2. verb
If something surges, it increases suddenly and greatly, after being steady or developing only slowly.
The party's electoral support surged from just under 10 per cent to nearly 17 percent. [V + from/to/by]
Surging imports will add to the demand for hard currency. [VERB-ing]
[Also V, V amount]
Synonyms: increase, rise, grow, jump More Synonyms of surge
3. verb
If a crowd of people surge forward, they suddenly move forward together.
The photographers and cameramen surged forward. [VERB adverb/preposition]
...the crowd surging out from the church. [VERB adverb/preposition]
Synonyms: rush, pour, stream, rise More Synonyms of surge
4. countable noun
A surge is a sudden powerful movement of a physical force such as wind or water.
The whole car shuddered with an almost frightening surge of power. [+ of]
In the year 1091, London Bridge was destroyed by a tidal surge during a storm.
Synonyms: flow, wave, rush, stream More Synonyms of surge
5. verb
If a physical force such as water or electricity surges through something, it moves through it suddenly and powerfully.
A paraglider crashed into power lines and survived 11,000 volts surging through hisbody. [VERB adverb/preposition]
Fish and seaweed rose, caught motionless in the surging water. [VERB-ing]
[Also VERB]
Synonyms: roll, rush, billow, heave More Synonyms of surge
6. countable noun [usually singular, usually NOUNof noun]
If you feel a surgeof a particular emotion or feeling, you experience it suddenly and powerfully.
'It must be very difficult,' said Hunter, feeling a surge of embarrassment for Diane'spredicament.
He was overcome by a sudden surge of jealousy.
Synonyms: wave, rush, storm, outburst More Synonyms of surge
7. verb
If an emotion or sensation surgesin you or through you, you feel it suddenly and powerfully.
[literary]
Nausea surged in him and he retched violently. [Vin/through n]
Panic surged through her. [Vin/through n]
Synonyms: sweep, rush, storm, blaze More Synonyms of surge
Surge up means the same as surge.
A slow hatred for Hilton began to surge up in him. [VPin n]
Memories surged up in Don's mind. [VPin n]
More Synonyms of surge
surge in British English
(sɜːdʒ)
noun
1.
a strong rush or sweep; sudden increase
a surge of anger
2.
the rolling swell of the sea, esp after the passage of a large wave
3.
a heavy rolling motion or sound
the surge of the trumpets
4.
an undulating rolling surface, as of hills
5.
a billowing cloud or volume
6. nautical
a temporary release or slackening of a rope or cable
7.
a large momentary increase in the voltage or current in an electric circuit
8.
an upward instability or unevenness in the power output of an engine
9. astronomy
a short-lived disturbance, occurring during the eruption of a solar flare
verb
10. (intransitive)
(of waves, the sea, etc) to rise or roll with a heavy swelling motion
11. (intransitive)
to move like a heavy sea
12. nautical
to slacken or temporarily release (a rope or cable) from a capstan or (of a rope, etc) to be slackened or released and slip back
13. (intransitive)
(of an electric current or voltage) to undergo a large momentary increase
14. (transitive) rare
to cause to move in or as if in a wave or waves
Derived forms
surgeless (ˈsurgeless)
adjective
surger (ˈsurger)
noun
Word origin
C15: from Latin surgere to rise, from sub- up + regere to lead
surge in American English
(sɜrdʒ)
noun
1.
a.
a large mass of or as of moving water; wave; swell; billow
b.
such waves or billows collectively or in a series
2.
a movement of or like that of a mass of water; violent rolling, sweeping, or swelling motion
the surge of the sea
3.
a sudden, sharp increase of electric current or voltage in a circuit
4.
any sudden, strong increase, as of energy, enthusiasm, etc.
5. Nautical
a.
the concave part of a capstan or windlass, upon which the rope surges, or slips
b.
such a surging, or slipping
verb intransitiveWord forms: surged or ˈsurging
6.
to have a heavy, violent swelling motion; move in or as in a surge or surges
7.
to rise and fall or be tossed about on waves, as a ship
8.
to increase suddenly or abnormally
said of electric current or voltage
9.
to slip, as a rope or cable on a capstan or windlass
verb transitive
10.
to slacken or release (a rope or cable) suddenly
Word origin
LME sourge, fountain, stream, prob. < OFr sourgeon < stem of sourdre, to rise < L surgere, to rise, spring up < *subsregere < subs-, var. of sub- (see sub-) + regere, to direct (see right)
surge in Electrical Engineering
(sɜrdʒ)
Word forms: (regular plural) surges
noun
(Electrical engineering: Electrical power, Power consumption)
A surge is a momentary wave of current or power in an electric circuit.
Without the safeguard of a fuse or breaker, electrical surges could cause overheating or even fire.
If the fuse is too large, it may not blow when a surge occurs.
A surge is a momentary wave of current or power in an electric circuit.
Examples of 'surge' in a sentence
surge
So what can you do to quell this overwhelming surge of emotion?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
She was spotted and the crowd surged forward.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Today brings a positive surge of energy over your recent lacklustre love life.
The Sun (2015)
How do you explain this sudden surge of deals?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
She woke to find her feet still tied as she battled surging currents.
The Sun (2012)
Much of the surge in inflation is imported with rocketing food and fuel costs.
The Sun (2008)
Zidane may also have experienced a surge in the speed of his neurological activity.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The surge of interest follows a change in the law governing who may offer legal advice.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The crowd outside the chapel surges forward.
Christina Hardyment Malory: The Life and Times of King Arthur's Chronicler (2005)
But it is the surge of instantaneous power that really surprises.
The Sun (2013)
She was part of a crowd surging towards the officer.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It engaged with the dynamic ferocity it brings to its surging open play.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But why the sudden surge in activity?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
You will feel a surge of energy and determination that gets life moving in an exciting new direction.
The Sun (2010)
The danger comes when a bolt strikes the ground and sends a surge of electric current through the wet soil.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Suddenly the rioters surged towards me.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
You feel a surge of self-belief and are ready to say yes to challenges.
The Sun (2007)
And she sings them with surging, almost primordial energy.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
First it was surging inflation.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
A saloon car had suddenly surged past mine, and then pulled up, forcing me to stop.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In other languages
surge
British English: surge /sɜːdʒ/ NOUN
A surge is a sudden large increase in something that has previously been steady, or has only increased or developed slowly.
Specialists see various reasons for the recent surge in inflation.
American English: surge
Arabic: اِنْدِفَاع
Brazilian Portuguese: aumento repentino
Chinese: 涌流
Croatian: iznenadan porast
Czech: prudký vzestup
Danish: bølge
Dutch: snelle groei
European Spanish: subida de tensión
Finnish: äkillinen nousu
French: déferlement
German: Anschwellen
Greek: αύξηση
Italian: aumento
Japanese: 高まり
Korean: 격동
Norwegian: plutselig økning
Polish: spiętrzona fala
European Portuguese: aumento repentino
Romanian: creștere bruscă
Russian: большая волна
Latin American Spanish: subida de tensión
Swedish: tillströmning
Thai: การเพิ่มขึ้นอย่างรวดเร็ว
Turkish: ani yükselme
Ukrainian: швидке зростання
Vietnamese: sự tăng lên đột ngột
British English: surge VERB
If something surges, it increases suddenly and greatly, after being steady or developing only slowly.
The party's electoral support surged from just under 10 per cent to nearly 17 per cent.
American English: surge
Brazilian Portuguese: aumentar repentinamente
Chinese: 剧增
European Spanish: aflorar
French: monter en flèche
German: ansteigen
Italian: aumentare improvvisamente
Japanese: 急増する
Korean: 급등하다
European Portuguese: aumentar repentinamente
Latin American Spanish: aflorar
All related terms of 'surge'
power surge
an unexpected , temporary increase in the current or voltage of an electrical circuit
storm surge
an abnormal rise in the level of the sea along a coast caused by the onshore winds of a severe cyclone
surge tank
a tank used to absorb surges in water flow
surge tide
a powerful and often destructive tide that may occur when an abnormally high tide (e. g . at the autumn equinox ) coincides with high wind and low atmospheric pressure
wind surge
a wind-induced rise in the water level at the coast or the shore of an inland expanse of water. It has a definite frequency and if this is close to the tidal frequency serious flooding can result
surge pricing
the practice of increasing the price of goods or services at periods of peak demand
surge protector
a small device to protect a computer, telephone , television set, or the like from damage by high-voltage electrical surges
Chinese translation of 'surge'
surge
(səːdʒ)
n(c)
(in demand, interest) 急剧(劇)上升 (jíjù shàngshēng)
(in flow) 汹(洶)涌(湧) (xiōngyǒng)
[of emotion]一阵(陣) (yī zhèn)
a surge of electricity电(電)涌(湧) (diànyǒng)
vi
[water]奔腾(騰) (bēnténg)
[people, vehicles]涌(湧) (yǒng)
[level, rate]急剧(劇)上升 (jíjù shàngshēng)
(liter)[emotion]翻腾(騰) (fānténg)
(Elec) 突然增加 (tūrán zēngjiā)
to surge forward蜂拥(擁)向前 (fēngyōng xiàng qián)
1 (noun)
Definition
a sudden powerful increase
a new surge of interest in Dylan's work
Synonyms
rush
rise
the prospect of another rise in interest rates
growth
boost
The paper is enjoying a boost in circulation.
flood
She broke into a flood of tears.
escalation
a sudden escalation of unrest in the south-eastern region
upsurge
an upsurge in oil prices
upswing
sudden increase
uprush
2 (noun)
Definition
a strong rolling movement of the sea
The bridge was destroyed in a tidal surge during a storm.
Synonyms
flow
watching the quiet flow of the olive-green water
wave
A new wave of settlers arrived in the region.
rush
A rush of affection swept over him.
stream
a continuous stream of lava
roller
breaker
breakers on the sea wall
gush
I heard a gush of water.
upsurge
outpouring
efflux
uprush
3 (noun)
Definition
a strong rolling movement of the sea
the beating and surge of the sea
Synonyms
tide
roll
despite the roll of the boat
rolling
swell
the swell of the incoming tide
swirling
billowing
4 (noun)
Definition
a heavy rolling motion or sound
He was overcome by a sudden surge of jealousy.
Synonyms
wave
She felt a wave of grief flood over her.
rush
Throw something noisy and feign a rush at him.
storm
The photos caused a storm when they were first published.
outburst
torrent
He directed a torrent of abuse at me.
eruption
the volcanic eruption of Tambora in 1815
1 (verb)
Definition
to increase quickly and strongly
Surging imports will add to the demand for hard currency.
Synonyms
increase
The population continues to increase.
rise
We need to increase our charges in order to meet rising costs.
grow
jump
The number of crimes jumped by ten per cent last year.
boost
They need to take action to boost sales.
leap
They leapt to third in the table, 31 points behind the leaders.
escalate
Unions and management fear the dispute could escalate.
2 (verb)
Definition
to move forward strongly and suddenly
The crowd surged out from the church.
Synonyms
rush
Water rushes out of huge tunnels.
pour
Blood was pouring from his broken nose.
stream
Tears streamed down their faces.
rise
crowd
A throng of fashionable young people crowded around the stage.
swell
The human population swelled as migrants moved south.
spill
When the bell rings, more than 1,000 children spill from the classrooms.
swarm
People swarmed to the shops, buying up everything in sight.
seethe
gush
Piping hot water gushed out of the tap.
well forth
3 (verb)
Definition
(of the sea) to rise or roll with a heavy swelling motion
Fish and seaweed rose, caught motionless in the surging water.
Synonyms
roll
The ship was still rolling in the troughs.
rush
billow
the billowing sails
heave
The grey seas heaved.
swirl
She smiled, swirling the wine in her glass.
The water swirled around his legs.
eddy
The dust whirled and eddied in the sunlight.
undulate
the waves undulating like oceanic dunes
4 (verb)
Definition
to move forward strongly and suddenly
Panic surged through her.
Synonyms
sweep
rush
They rushed the entrance.
storm
The refugees decided to storm the embassy.
blaze
erupt
Additional synonyms
in the sense of billow
Definition
to rise up or swell out
the billowing sails
Synonyms
surge,
roll,
expand,
swell,
balloon,
belly,
bulge,
dilate,
puff up,
bloat
in the sense of boost
Definition
an increase or rise
The paper is enjoying a boost in circulation.
Synonyms
rise,
increase,
advance,
jump,
addition,
improvement,
expansion,
upsurge,
upturn,
increment,
upswing,
upward turn
in the sense of boost
Definition
to cause to rise
They need to take action to boost sales.
Synonyms
increase,
develop,
raise,
expand,
add to,
build up,
heighten,
enlarge,
inflate,
magnify,
amplify,
augment,
jack up
Synonyms of 'surge'
surge
Explore 'surge' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of breaker
Definition
a large sea wave with a white crest or one that breaks into foam on the shore
breakers on the sea wall
Synonyms
wave,
roller,
comber,
billow,
white horse,
whitecap
in the sense of crowd
Definition
to gather together in large numbers
A throng of fashionable young people crowded around the stage.
Synonyms
flock,
press,
push,
mass,
collect,
gather,
stream,
surge,
cluster,
muster,
huddle,
swarm,
throng,
congregate,
foregather
in the sense of eddy
Definition
to move with a gentle circular motion
The dust whirled and eddied in the sunlight.
Synonyms
swirl,
turn,
roll,
spin,
twist,
surge,
revolve,
whirl,
billow
in the sense of eruption
the volcanic eruption of Tambora in 1815
Synonyms
explosion,
discharge,
outburst,
venting,
ejection
in the sense of escalate
Definition
to increase or be increased in size, seriousness, or intensity
Unions and management fear the dispute could escalate.
Synonyms
grow,
increase,
extend,
intensify,
expand,
surge,
be increased,
mount,
heighten
in the sense of escalation
a sudden escalation of unrest in the south-eastern region
Synonyms
increase,
rise,
build-up,
expansion,
heightening,
developing,
acceleration,
upsurge,
intensification,
amplification
in the sense of flood
Definition
a large amount
She broke into a flood of tears.
Synonyms
outpouring,
rush,
stream,
surge,
torrent
in the sense of gush
Definition
a sudden large flow of liquid
I heard a gush of water.
Synonyms
stream,
flow,
rush,
flood,
jet,
burst,
issue,
outburst,
cascade,
torrent,
spurt,
spout,
outflow
in the sense of gush
Definition
to speak or behave in an overenthusiastic manner
Piping hot water gushed out of the tap.
Synonyms
flow,
run,
rush,
flood,
pour,
jet,
burst,
stream,
cascade,
issue,
spurt,
spout
in the sense of heave
Definition
to rise and fall heavily
The grey seas heaved.
Synonyms
surge,
rise,
swell,
billow
Additional synonyms
in the sense of jump
Definition
(of prices) to rise suddenly or abruptly
The number of crimes jumped by ten per cent last year.
Synonyms
increase,
rise,
climb,
escalate,
gain,
advance,
boost,
mount,
soar,
surge,
spiral,
hike (informal),
ascend
in the sense of leap
They leapt to third in the table, 31 points behind the leaders.
Synonyms
increase,
advance,
soar,
surge,
rocket,
escalate,
shoot up
in the sense of outpouring
Definition
a great amount of something that is produced very rapidly
Synonyms
outflow,
flow,
spate,
cascade,
flux,
spurt,
emanation,
efflux,
effluence,
debouchment
in the sense of pour
Definition
to flow or cause to flow out in a stream
Blood was pouring from his broken nose.
Synonyms
flow,
stream,
run,
course,
rush,
emit,
cascade,
gush,
spout,
spew
in the sense of rise
Definition
an increase in amount, cost, or quantity
the prospect of another rise in interest rates
Synonyms
increase,
climb,
upturn,
upswing,
advance,
improvement,
ascent,
upsurge,
bounce,
upward turn
in the sense of rise
Definition
to increase in amount or value
We need to increase our charges in order to meet rising costs.
Synonyms
increase,
mount,
go up,
rocket,
soar,
spiral,
escalate,
shoot up,
get higher
in the sense of spill
Definition
(of large numbers of people) to come out of a place
When the bell rings, more than 1,000 children spill from the classrooms.
Synonyms
emerge,
flood,
pour,
mill,
stream,
surge,
swarm,
crowd,
teem
in the sense of storm
Definition
a violent disturbance or quarrel
The photos caused a storm when they were first published.
Synonyms
outburst,
row,
stir,
outcry,
furore,
violence,
anger,
passion,
outbreak,
turmoil,
disturbance,
strife,
clamour,
agitation,
commotion,
rumpus,
tumult,
hubbub
in the sense of storm
Definition
to attack or capture (a place) suddenly and violently
The refugees decided to storm the embassy.
Synonyms
attack,
charge,
rush,
assault,
beset,
assail,
take by storm
in the sense of stream
Definition
any steady flow of water or other liquid
a continuous stream of lava
Synonyms
flow,
current,
rush,
run,
course,
drift,
surge,
tide,
torrent,
outpouring,
tideway
Additional synonyms
in the sense of stream
Definition
to pour in a continuous flow
Tears streamed down their faces.
Synonyms
flow,
run,
pour,
course,
issue,
flood,
shed,
spill,
emit,
glide,
cascade,
gush,
spout
in the sense of swarm
Definition
to move quickly and in large numbers
People swarmed to the shops, buying up everything in sight.
Synonyms
crowd,
flock,
throng,
mass,
stream,
congregate
in the sense of swell
Definition
the waving movement of the surface of the open sea
the swell of the incoming tide
Synonyms
wave,
rise,
surge,
billow,
undulation
in the sense of swell
Definition
(of an emotion) to become more intense
The human population swelled as migrants moved south.
Synonyms
increase,
rise,
grow,
mount,
expand,
surge,
step up,
accelerate,
escalate,
multiply,
grow larger
in the sense of swirl
Definition
to turn round and round with a twisting motion
She smiled, swirling the wine in her glass.The water swirled around his legs.
Synonyms
whirl,
churn,
spin,
twist,
boil,
surge,
agitate,
eddy,
twirl
in the sense of torrent
Definition
a rapid flow of questions, abuse, etc.
He directed a torrent of abuse at me.
Synonyms
outburst,
stream,
barrage,
hail,
spate,
outpouring,
effusion
in the sense of undulate
Definition
to move gently and slowly from side to side or up and down