noun Uncommon

rupture

RUHPT-shuh

Rupture (noun) means a sudden break, tear, or burst, especially in tissue or a container. Example: “The doctors treated the rupture in his appendix as an emergency.”

noun

A sudden break, tear, or burst, especially in tissue or a container.

"The doctors treated the rupture in his appendix as an emergency."

"A rupture in the pipeline caused an oil spill."

A serious breakdown in a relationship or agreement between people or groups.

"The scandal caused a rupture between the two allied nations."

verb

To burst, break, or split apart, especially under pressure.

"The dam threatened to rupture after days of heavy rain."

How to use rupture

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sudden break or tear, whether physical (like a burst pipe or torn muscle) or relational (a serious falling-out).

Common pairings

a ruptured appendix rupture a disc a rupture in relations

Word forms

ruptured past tense, ruptures plural, ruptures singular

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The doctors treated the _____ in his appendix as an emergency.

Etymology

From Latin ruptūra ("a breaking"), from rumpere ("to break, burst") — a doublet of "roture."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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break tear snap breach bust rift severance falling out

Related words

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Rhymes for rupture

pure cure sure azure nature future manure secure impure injure figure allure

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Frequently asked questions

What does “rupture” mean?

The word “rupture” means a sudden break, tear, or burst, especially in tissue or a container. In plain terms, a sudden break or tear, whether physical (like a burst pipe or torn muscle) or relational (a serious falling-out).

How do you pronounce “rupture”?

“Rupture” is pronounced RUHPT-shuh (/ˈɹʌpt͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “rupture” in a sentence?

Here is “rupture” used in a sentence: “The doctors treated the rupture in his appendix as an emergency.”

What part of speech is “rupture”?

Depending on how it is used, “rupture” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “rupture” come from?

The word “rupture” comes from Latin. From Latin ruptūra ("a breaking"), from rumpere ("to break, burst") — a doublet of "roture.".

Is “rupture” a common word?

“Rupture” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “rupture” have?

“Rupture” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden break, tear, or burst, especially in tissue or a container.

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