Burst vs. Explosion — What's the Difference?

Break open or apart suddenly and violently, especially as a result of an impact or internal pressure

An explosion is a rapid expansion in volume associated with an extremely vigorous outward release of energy, usually with the generation of high temperatures and release of high-pressure gases. Supersonic explosions created by high explosives are known as detonations and travel through shock waves.

Issue suddenly and uncontrollably

A violent shattering or blowing apart of something, as is caused by a bomb

Suddenly begin doing or producing something

A sudden outburst of something such as violent emotion, especially anger

Separate (continuous stationery) into single sheets.

A sudden increase in amount or extent

An instance of breaking or splitting as a result of internal pressure or puncturing; an explosion

A sudden, often violent outward expansion resulting from the force of internal pressure or the release of chemical or nuclear energy, typically accompanied by high temperatures.

A sudden brief outbreak

A violent bursting apart resulting from such expansion.

A period of continuous and intense effort

The loud, sharp sound made as a result of either of these actions.

To come open or fly apart suddenly or violently, especially from internal pressure.

A sudden, often vehement outburst

To explode.

A sudden, great increase

To be or seem to be full to the point of breaking open

(Linguistics) See plosion.

To emerge, come forth, or arrive suddenly

A violent release of energy (sometimes mechanical, nuclear, or chemical.)

To come apart or seem to come apart because of overwhelming emotion

A bursting due to pressure.

To give sudden utterance or expression

The sound of an explosion.

To cause to burst

A sudden uncontrolled increase.

To exert strong pressure in order to force (something) open.

A sudden outburst.

To separate (a continuous form or printout) into individual sheets.

The act of exploding; detonation; a chemical action which causes the sudden formation of a great volume of expanded gas; as, the explosion of gunpowder, of fire damp, etc.

The result of bursting, especially the explosion of a projectile or bomb on impact or in the air.

A bursting with violence and loud noise, because of internal pressure; as, the explosion of a gun, a bomb, a steam boiler, etc.

The number of bullets fired from an automatic weapon by one pull of the trigger.

A violent outburst of feeling, manifested by excited language, action, etc.; as, an explosion of wrath.

A volley of bullets fired from an automatic weapon

A sudden and substantial increase; a rapid acceleration; as, the population explosion.

A sudden, intense display of activity or emotion

A violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction

An abrupt, intense increase; a rush

The act of exploding or bursting something;

A period of intense activity

A sudden great increase;

(intransitive) To break from internal pressure.

The noise caused by an explosion;

(transitive) To cause to break from internal pressure.

The terminal forced release of pressure built up during the occlusive phase of a stop consonant

To cause to break by any means.

A sudden outburst;

(transitive) To separate (printer paper) at perforation lines.

A golf shot from a bunker that typically moves sand as well as the golf ball

(intransitive) To enter or exit hurriedly and unexpectedly.

(intransitive) To erupt; to change state suddenly as if bursting.

(transitive) To produce as an effect of bursting.

(transitive) To interrupt suddenly in a violent or explosive manner; to shatter.

An act or instance of bursting.

A sudden, often intense, expression, manifestation or display.

A series of shots fired from an automatic firearm.

(military) The explosion of a bomb or missile.

(archaic) A drinking spree.

To fly apart or in pieces; of break open; to yield to force or pressure, especially to a sudden and violent exertion of force, or to pressure from within; to explode; as, the boiler had burst; the buds will burst in spring.

To exert force or pressure by which something is made suddenly to give way; to break through obstacles or limitations; hence, to appear suddenly and unexpectedly or unaccountably, or to depart in such manner; - usually with some qualifying adverb or preposition, as forth, out, away, into, upon, through, etc.

To break or rend by violence, as by an overcharge or by strain or pressure, esp. from within; to force open suddenly; as, to burst a cannon; to burst a blood vessel; to burst open the doors.

To break.

To produce as an effect of bursting; as, to burst a hole through the wall.

A sudden breaking forth; a violent rending; an explosion; as, a burst of thunder; a burst of applause; a burst of passion; a burst of inspiration.

Any brief, violent exertion or effort; a spurt; as, a burst of speed.

A sudden opening, as of landscape; a stretch; an expanse.

A rupture or hernia; a breach.

The act of exploding or bursting something;

Rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms;

A sudden flurry of activity (often for no obvious reason);

A sudden violent happening;

Break open or apart suddenly;

Force out or release suddenly and often violently something pent up;

Burst outward, usually with noise;

Move suddenly, energetically, or violently;

Be in a state of movement or action;

Emerge suddenly;

Cause to burst;

Break open or apart suddenly and forcefully;

Suddenly and violently broken open especially from internal pressure (`busted' is an informal term for `burst');