Eruption vs. Explosion — What's the Difference?

The act or process of erupting.

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.

An instance of erupting.

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

A sudden, often violent outburst.

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

An appearance of a rash or blemish on the skin.

A sudden increase in amount or extent

Such a rash or blemish.

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.

The emergence of a tooth through the gums.

A violent bursting apart resulting from such expansion.

A violent ejection, such as the spurting out of lava from a volcano.

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

A sudden release of pressure or tension.

A sudden, often vehement outburst

An infection of the skin resulting in a rash or blemishing.

A sudden, great increase

The act of breaking out or bursting forth;

(Linguistics) See plosion.

That which bursts forth.

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

A violent exclamation; ejaculation.

A bursting due to pressure.

The breaking out of pimples, or an efflorescence, as in measles, scarlatina, etc.

The sound of an explosion.

The sudden occurrence of a violent discharge of steam and volcanic material

A sudden uncontrolled increase.

Symptom consisting of a breaking out and becoming visible

A sudden outburst.

(of volcanos) pouring out fumes or lava (or a deposit so formed)

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.

A sudden violent spontaneous occurrence (usually of some undesirable condition);

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

A sudden very loud noise

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

The emergence of a tooth as it breaks through the gum

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

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

The act of exploding or bursting something;

A sudden great increase;

The noise caused by an explosion;

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

A sudden outburst;

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