Onrush

The term 'onrush' describes a sudden and forceful forward movement or surge, often involving a large quantity or number of things, people, or forces. It can refer to the swift and intense arrival of something, either physically or abstractly. This powerful advance can apply to natural elements like water or wind, human actions such as a crowd's movement, or emotional or mental states like a feeling or thought. The core concept is a dynamic, overwhelming, and potentially disruptive force. It implies a lack of control or containment, emphasizing speed and momentum. 'Onrush' highlights the dynamic nature of change and the overwhelming intensity of that change.

Onrush meaning with examples

• The dam burst, unleashing an onrush of water that quickly flooded the valley, sweeping away everything in its path. The sheer power of the water's forward motion was terrifying as it crashed through the landscape. Many villagers were in despair as the flooding brought chaos and loss of life.
• As the concert doors opened, an onrush of fans surged forward, eager to secure the best positions near the stage. The collective energy of the crowd created a wave of momentum that was hard to resist. Security struggled to maintain order with the chaotic movement.
• After years of suppressed anger, an onrush of resentment washed over him, making him react with cruel and bitter comments. All of his hidden emotions started to affect him. The pent-up feelings finally surfaced with full fury, changing his whole personality.
• The unexpected news triggered an onrush of panic, forcing everyone to evacuate quickly and abandon everything. People reacted fast. They struggled to keep calm and stay safe as the event rapidly developed. It caused general disarray.
• With the announcement of the new policy, an onrush of applications flooded the department, far exceeding their processing capacity. The volume of paperwork quickly became overwhelming. Employees worked around the clock to make sure that people received a response.