éclater

Senses

1. 1.

   to burst; to explode

   to break suddenly and violently, often with noise

2. 2.

   to break out

   to occur suddenly or abruptly (of conflict, laughter, war, etc.)

3. 3.

   to shine; to stand out

   to be conspicuous or brilliant; to show oneself in a favorable light

4. 4.

   to crack; to split

   to develop cracks or fissures (of materials like wood or plaster)

Examples

• "Le ballon a éclaté quand je l'ai marché dessus."

  The balloon burst when I stepped on it.

• "La guerre a éclaté en 1939."

  The war broke out in 1939.

• "Elle a éclaté de rire en entendant la blague."

  She burst out laughing when she heard the joke.

Usage

Éclater is a common, standard verb. With infinitive complements, use the structure "éclater de + infinitive" (éclater de rire, éclater de colère). It can be reflexive (s'éclater) in informal speech, meaning "to have a blast" or "to enjoy oneself immensely."