surge

surge

1. To rise and move in a billowing or swelling manner.
2. To roll or be tossed about on waves, as a boat.
3. To move like advancing waves: The fans surged forward to see the movie star.
4. To increase suddenly: As favorable reviews came out, interest in the software surged.
5. To improve one's performance suddenly, especially in bettering one's standing in a competition.
6. Nautical To slip around a windlass. Used of a rope.

1. A heavy billowing or swelling motion like that of great waves.
2. a. Wave motion with low height and a shorter period than a swell.
   b. A coastal rise in water level caused by wind.
3. The forward and backward motion of a ship subjected to wave action.
4. A sudden onrush: a surge of joy.
5. A period of intense effort that improves a competitor's standing, as in a race.
6. A sudden, transient increase or oscillation in electric current or voltage.
7. An instability in the power output of an engine.
8. Astronomy A brief, violent disturbance occurring during the eruption of a solar flare.
9. Nautical
   a. The part of a windlass into which the cable surges.
   b. A temporary release or slackening of a cable.

Origin: Probably French sourdre, sourge- (from Old French) and French surgir, to rise (from Old French, to cast anchor, from Old Catalan), both from Latin surgere, to rise : sub-, from below; see sub-  + regere, to lead straight; see reg- in Indo-European roots.