cloudburst
UK: /ˈklaʊd.bɜːst/ | US: /ˈklaʊd.bɜːrst/
n. a sudden and very heavy rainfall, often of short duration
n. (figurative) an overwhelming or sudden outburst of something (e.g., emotions, information)
The word "cloudburst" combines "cloud," from Old English clūd (meaning "mass of rock" or later "mass of vapor"), and "burst," from Old English berstan (meaning "to break violently"). The term originally described a meteorological phenomenon where clouds "burst" open, releasing torrential rain. Over time, it gained figurative use for any sudden, intense release. The logic is vivid: clouds metaphorically rupture like a container, unleashing their contents abruptly.
The hikers were caught in a cloudburst and had to seek shelter under a rocky ledge.
A cloudburst flooded the streets within minutes, overwhelming the drainage system.
Her speech triggered a cloudburst of applause from the audience.
The region experiences frequent cloudbursts during the monsoon season.
The news caused a cloudburst of emotions among the family members.