sprung

Definition

1. Verb (past participle of spring):

   • To have moved suddenly or leaped: Indicates that something has jumped or moved quickly from a position, often upward or forward.
   • To have emerged or originated: Refers to something that has come into existence or appeared suddenly.
   • To have become bent or cracked: Describes an object that has developed a warp, split, or fracture, often due to pressure or stress.

2. Adjective (rare usage):

   • Fitted with springs: Describes an object, such as a mattress or seat, that contains springs for support or cushioning.

Usage Examples

• Verb (past participle):

  • The cat had sprung onto the table before anyone could stop it. (The cat leaped onto the table quickly.)
  • A new idea has sprung from our discussion. (A new idea has emerged from our conversation.)
  • The wooden floorboard has sprung after years of moisture. (The floorboard has become warped or cracked.)

• Adjective:

  • We bought a sprung mattress for better back support. (A mattress that contains springs for comfort.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have sprung a leak": to have developed a hole or crack allowing liquid to escape.

  • The boat has sprung a leak and is taking on water. (The boat has developed a crack that lets water in.)

• "to be sprung from": to have originated from a particular source or lineage.

  • He is sprung from a long line of artists. (He comes from a family of artists.)

• "to be sprung" (slang, informal): to be very attracted to or infatuated with someone.

  • She is sprung on her new boyfriend. (She is deeply infatuated with him.)

Variants and Related Words

• Spring (n): the season after winter; a coil; a source of water.

  • The spring brings warmer weather. (The season of spring.)

• Springy (adj): elastic; able to return to original shape after being pressed.

  • The trampoline is very springy. (It bounces back easily.)

Synonyms

• Leaped: moved quickly off the ground.
• Emerged: came into view or existence.
• Cracked: developed a fissure or split.

Phrasal Verbs

• Spring up: to appear or arise suddenly.

  • New businesses have sprung up in the area. (They have appeared quickly.)

• Spring forward: to move ahead quickly, especially in time (as in daylight saving time).

  • We spring forward an hour in March. (We advance clocks by one hour.)

Related Idioms

• Spring to mind: to come into one's thoughts suddenly.

  • When I think of heroes, she springs to mind. (She is immediately remembered.)

• Spring into action: to begin acting quickly and energetically.

  • The firefighters sprung into action when the alarm sounded. (They started working immediately.)