surge

A sudden large increase or rush of something.

• There was a surge in sales.
• A power surge damaged the computer.
• He felt a sudden surge of anger.

How to use it: a surge in something (There was a surge in ticket sales.); a surge of something (She felt a surge of excitement.)

Similar words: jump, rush, increase

Opposites: drop

Common phrases: power surge, surge in demand

The sending of many people or resources somewhere quickly to meet an urgent need.

• The army announced a troop surge.
• A surge of medical staff supported the crowded hospitals.
• The fleet prepared for a surge deployment.

Common phrases: troop surge, surge capacity

To increase suddenly and greatly, or flow somewhere in a sudden rush.

• Prices surged last month.
• Water surged into the basement.
• Demand has surged since the advertisement appeared.

How to use it: surge by an amount (Sales surged by twenty percent.); surge through something (Water surged through the broken gate.)

Similar words: soar, jump, rush

Opposites: plummet

Common phrases: surge in value, surge through something

To move forward suddenly with increased speed or force.

• The boat surged forward.
• She surged ahead in the final stretch.
• The car surged forward when he pressed the pedal.

Similar words: accelerate, lunge

Common phrases: surge forward, surge ahead

For air in an engine compressor to briefly flow backwards because the incoming air is disturbed.

• The engine began to surge.
• Disturbed intake airflow caused the compressor to surge.
• Both engines surged during the test.

Common phrases: engine may surge, compressor can surge