Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » rupture

rupture

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

To rupture is to break or burst, or to cause to break or burst.

(verb)

An example of rupture is when a pipe bursts.

The definition of a rupture is an instance where something bursts or suddenly breaks.

(noun)

An example of a rupture is a situation where an artery has broken open suddenly.
An example of a rupture is when two countries stop having friendly relations.

See rupture in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the act of breaking apart or bursting, or the state of being broken apart or burst; breach
a breaking off of friendly or peaceful relations, as between countries or individuals
Med. a hernia; esp.,
1. an abdominal or inguinal hernia
2. a forcible tearing or bursting of an organ or part, as of a blood vessel, the bladder, etc.

Origin: LME ruptur < MFr rupture < L ruptura < ruptus, pp. of rumpere, to break < IE *reup- < base *reu-, to tear out, tear apart, break > rob, rub

transitive verb, intransitive verb ruptured, rupturing

to break apart or burst
to affect with, undergo, or suffer a rupture

See rupture in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The process or instance of breaking open or bursting.
b. The state of being broken open.
A break in friendly relations.
Pathology
a. A hernia, especially of the groin or intestines.
b. A tear in an organ or a tissue: rupture of an appendix; ligament rupture.