eruption
Loading your saved state.
eruption
The sudden and often violent eruption of a volcano, in which lava, ash, and gases are hurled to the Earth's surface.
Die Eruption des isländischen Vulkans legte den Flugverkehr in ganz Europa lahm.
The eruption of the Icelandic volcano brought air traffic across Europe to a standstill.
You can easily tell from context whether a volcanic eruption or an emotional outburst is meant. Terms from geology and nature (such as 'Vulkan' (volcano), 'Lava' (lava), 'Asche' (ash)) point to the first meaning, while words about feelings and conflicts (such as 'Wut' (anger), 'Streit' (argument), 'Emotionen' (emotions)) point to the second.
Die Eruption des Vesuvs hatte historische Folgen.
The eruption of Vesuvius had historical consequences.
A very typical construction for both meanings is the phrase 'es kommt zu einer Eruption' (an eruption occurs). It describes the sudden occurrence of the event.
Aufgrund der seismischen Aktivität könnte es bald zu einer Eruption kommen.
Due to the seismic activity, an eruption could occur soon.
The word 'Eruption' (eruption) is a rather formal and educated term. It is often found in the news, scientific texts, or literature.
Wissenschaftler beobachten die Anzeichen für eine bevorstehende Eruption genau.
Scientists are closely observing the signs of an impending eruption.
In a geological context, 'Eruption' (eruption) is often combined with adjectives like 'vulkanisch' (volcanic), 'heftig' (violent), or 'gewaltig' (powerful/massive). Typical verbs are 'stattfinden' (to take place) or 'bevorstehen' (to be imminent).
Die letzte vulkanische Eruption auf der Insel fand vor 50 Jahren statt.
The last volcanic eruption on the island took place 50 years ago.
explosion
'die Explosion' and 'die Eruption' both describe a sudden and violent outburst. 'Explosion' is more general: it can involve gas, fire, a machine, or even strong emotions. 'Eruption' is used especially for volcanoes, when lava, ash, and gases are thrown out. In a figurative sense, 'Eruption' can also mean a violent outburst of emotions or violence, but then it sounds stronger and more vivid. The words can be confused because both are sudden and powerful. For volcanoes, 'Eruption' is more precise; for a bang or a technical accident, 'Explosion' is more natural.
Bei der Eruption des Vulkans stieg eine dunkle Aschewolke in den Himmel.
During the eruption of the volcano, a dark cloud of ash rose into the sky.
Nach der Explosion in der Werkstatt riefen die Nachbarn sofort die Feuerwehr.
After the explosion in the workshop, the neighbors immediately called the fire department.