surge

surge [sʉrj]

n.

[LME sourge, fountain, stream, prob. < OFr sourgeon < stem of sourdre, to rise < L surgere, to rise, spring up < * subsregere < subs-, var. of sub- (see SUB-) + regere, to direct (see RIGHT)]

1.

a) a large mass of or as of moving water; wave; swell; billow

b) such waves or billows collectively or in a series

2. a movement of or like that of a mass of water; violent rolling, sweeping, or swelling motion [the surge of the sea]

3. a sudden, sharp increase of electric current or voltage in a circuit

4. any sudden, strong increase, as of energy, enthusiasm, etc.

5. Naut.

a) the concave part of a capstan or windlass, upon which the rope surges, or slips

b) such a surging, or slipping

vi.

surged, surging [< OFr sourg-, stem of sourdre: see SURGE the n.]

1. to have a heavy, violent swelling motion; move in or as in a surge or surges

2. to rise and fall or be tossed about on waves, as a ship

3. to increase suddenly or abnormally: said of electric current or voltage

4. to slip, as a rope or cable on a capstan or windlass

vt.

to slacken or release (a rope or cable) suddenly