gush forth

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitiveliterary

   Of a liquid, to flow out suddenly and in large amounts.

   Grammar: No object; it often follows the thing that flows: water gushed forth.

   Patterns

   • gush forth from something
   • water gushed forth
   • oil gushed forth

   Water gushed forth from the broken pipe.

   Oil gushed forth from the well and covered the ground.

   Blood gushed forth from the wound.

2. 2verbintransitivefigurativeliterary

   Of words, feelings, or people, to come out suddenly and in large amounts.

   Grammar: No object; used figuratively about speech or emotion: praise gushed forth.

   Patterns

   • words gushed forth
   • praise gushed forth
   • emotions gushed forth

   Praise gushed forth from the excited crowd.

   Words of thanks gushed forth as she accepted the prize.

Word forms

Common combinations

gush forth from something

Steam gushed forth from the crack in the rock.

water gushed forth

After the earthquake, water gushed forth from the ground.

gush forth like a fountain

The spring gushed forth like a fountain.

words gushed forth

When she spoke, the words gushed forth without stopping.

Synonyms and how they differ

pour out

This is more neutral and common; 'gush forth' suggests a sudden, forceful flow and sounds more literary.

spurt

To spurt is to come out in a short, sudden burst; 'gush forth' suggests a larger and longer flow.

stream out

This suggests a steady continuous flow, while 'gush forth' stresses suddenness and volume.

Opposites

Word family

gush verb

The base verb meaning to flow out quickly or to speak with too much enthusiasm.

gushing adjective

Describing someone who expresses praise or excitement in an exaggerated way.

gush noun

A sudden large flow of liquid, or a burst of exaggerated enthusiasm.

Commonly confused: gush forth or rush forth?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “gush forth”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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