intransitive verb burst, bursting burst′·ing

1. to come apart suddenly and violently, as from internal pressure; fly into pieces; break open or out; explode
2. to give sudden expression to some feeling; break (into tears, laughter, a tirade, etc.)
3. to go, come, start, appear, etc. suddenly and with force he burst into the room
4. 1. to be as full, crowded, or packed as possible
   2. to be filled (with anger, pride, energy, etc.)

Etymology: ME bresten, bersten < OE berstan & ON bresta, both < IE base *bhres-, to burst, break, crack

transitive verb

1. to cause to burst; make explode
2. to fill or cause to swell to the bursting point

noun

1. the act of bursting; explosion, as of an artillery shell
2. the result of a bursting; break; rupture
3. a sudden, violent display of feeling
4. a sudden, forceful action; spurt a burst of speed
5. a volley of shots, or a single series of shots from an automatic firearm

Etymology: ME burst, brist, a damage, defect, injury < OE byrst, loss