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surge

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /sɜːrdʒ/

KK: /sɜrdʒ/

intransitive verb
Definition

To suddenly increase or move forward in a powerful way, often like waves.


Example

The crowd surged forward when the concert started.


Tense Forms

Past: surged

Past Participle: surged


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how the crowd surged when the band started playing?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was amazing! Everyone was so excited.
Sloth A
I didn't expect the energy to surge like that at all.
Sloth B
Me neither! It made the concert unforgettable.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rise
flow
billow
Antonyms
decline
dwindle
subside
noun
Definition

A sudden and powerful increase or movement, often referring to waves, emotions, or electrical currents.


Example

There was a surge of excitement in the crowd when the concert began.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you feel that big surge in the wind earlier?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was pretty intense!
Sloth A
I hope it doesn't cause any flooding near the coast.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To gradually loosen or make something less tight, especially a cable or rope.


Example

The sailor had to surge the cable to adjust the sail.


Tense Forms

Past: surged

Past Participle: surged


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how they surge the cable during the race?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was impressive how smoothly they did that!
Sloth A
I didn't realize you could surge a cable so effortlessly.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Surge comes from Latin 'surgere' (meaning to rise or to get up). The word describes a sudden and powerful upward movement or increase.

Memory Tip

Think of something 'rising up' — that's what surge means.

Visually Confused Words
spurge
urge
sure
upsurge
splurge
scourge
resurge
insurge
Is this page helpful?
Same here! Those surges can be really dangerous.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wave
rush
upsurge
Antonyms
decline
drop
decrease
Definitely! It really helps keep everything under control.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
slacken
loosen
release
Antonyms
tighten
bind
secure