Phrase guide

spring up

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To appear suddenly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • A breeze had sprung up, pushing the ship back within range of the Spanish cannons.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To come rapidly into existence.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

come into existence; take on form or shape

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • A new religious movement originated in that country
  • a love that sprang up from friendship
  • the idea for the book grew out of a short story
  • An interesting phenomenon uprose

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: originate, arise, rise, develop, uprise, grow

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: become

Narrower terms: resurge, come forth, emerge, come, follow, well up, swell, head

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: ilmestyä — to come rapidly into existence
  • French: pousser — to come rapidly into existence
  • Māori: rearea — to come rapidly into existence
  • Eastern Mari: шочаш (šočaš) — to come rapidly into existence