French word

éclater

Pronunciation

IPA/eklate/

Meaning

  • verbburst

Example

Le ballon éclate quand on le gonfle trop.

The balloon bursts when you inflate it too much.

Illustration for éclater (burst)

More examples

Nous avons éclaté de rire en regardant la vidéo.

We burst out laughing while watching the video.

Core concept

Something under pressure suddenly opens out, producing a vivid external burst or release.

Common phrases

  • éclater de rire

    burst out laughing

  • éclater en sanglots

    burst into sobs

  • éclater en morceaux

    shatter into pieces

Similar words

exploser: To explode violently as pressure or emotion bursts out all at once.
s'emporter: To lose control and become intensely angry.
craquer: To break down after prolonged strain or an unbearable burden.
fondre: To suddenly burst into tears.

Definition in French

Désigner surtout une manifestation brusque et violente — son, mouvement ou émotion — et par extension l'éclatement matériel d'un objet.

Word origin

The modern verb éclater developed from Old French esclater and is related to éclat, a word for a sharp burst or striking effect; its deeper origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • Éclater de rire is a fixed construction, whereas éclater en sanglots describes breaking into sobs.

Other meanings

  • popverb
  • explodeverb

Related words

Word lists with this word