sprang
Definition
Verb (past tense of spring): 1. To move suddenly and quickly: "sprang" describes the action of jumping or leaping abruptly from a position. 2. To originate or arise: It can indicate something coming into existence or appearing suddenly. 3. To release or activate: Used for mechanisms that operate with a sudden motion, such as a trap or lock.
Usage Examples
- (The cat jumped suddenly from the couch.)
- (The wind began to blow suddenly.)
- (He activated the trap, causing it to close quickly.)
Advanced Usage
- "to sprang into action": to begin moving or working suddenly.
- The firefighters sprang into action when the alarm sounded. (They started working immediately.)
- "to sprang to mind": to come into one's thoughts quickly.
- A solution sprang to mind as I read the problem. (A solution appeared in my thoughts suddenly.)
Variants and Related Words
- Spring (verb, base form): to move or jump suddenly.
- I will spring into the pool. (I will jump into the pool.)
- Sprung (past participle): used with auxiliary verbs.
- The door has sprung open. (The door has opened suddenly.)
- Springy (adj): elastic or resilient.
- The mattress is very springy. (The mattress bounces back easily.)
Synonyms
- Leaped: jumped quickly.
- Bounded: moved with energetic jumps.
- Darted: moved swiftly in a particular direction.
Phrasal Verbs
- Spring back: to return to a previous position or condition.
- The branch sprang back after I released it. (The branch returned to its original position.)
- Spring up: to appear or develop suddenly.
- New buildings sprang up across the city. (New buildings appeared quickly.)
Related Idioms
- Spring a leak: to develop a hole or crack through which liquid escapes.
- The boat sprang a leak in the storm. (The boat started to let in water.)
- Spring to life: to become active or energetic suddenly.
- The garden sprang to life after the rain. (The garden became lively and vibrant.)