Burgeon / verb / bur·geon

We use the word "burgeon" as a verb and archaic noun in the English language. As a verb "burgeon" denotes sudden and rapid growth. When burgeoning happens, it is normally a surprise, since we associate "burgeoning" with unexpected or unusual prosperity and growth in a positive direction. "Burgeon" is one of the rare words that is used as either a verb or a noun. When used as an archaic noun, the word "burgeon" represents growth by budding or sprouting as in nature.

In a Sentence

The university professor was proud of his burgeoning technology program for graduate students.

They were all surprised at how quickly the suburban neighborhood burgeoned into a sprawling community.

The cryptocurrency market has experienced burgeoning growth within the past few years.

Etymology

"Burgeon" first entered language in the 14th century as Middle English. They formed the word from the Middle English term burjonen, which means "to bud or to sprout." The writer P. G. Wodehouse used the word in a novel around the mid-19th century in 1946. Besides originating as a form of Middle English, there are variations of the word "burgeon" found in Late Latin and Old French.

Synonym

Accelerate, Balloon

Antonym

Shrink, Contract