Definition of burst into

The phrase "burst into" is a phrasal verb in the English language, where the word "burst" serves as the main verb, and the preposition "into" modifies its meaning. The origin of "burst" can be traced back to the Old English word "berst" meaning "to split apart" or "to break open". This word evolved into the Middle English "bersten", which was used to describe the explosive release of liquids, such as juice from fruits or sap from trees. During the 16th century, the meaning of "burst" extended to describe the discharge of one's emotions or passion, such as bursting with joy or anger. This usage is still common today. The usage of "burst into" dates back to the 18th century. At that time, it was used to mean "to enter suddenly and abruptly", such as a sudden entry into a room or a crowd. The phrase often conveyed the idea of something unexpected and overwhelming, such as a sudden and loud noise. Over time, the meaning of "burst into" has expanded to include unexpected or unexpectedly forceful behaviors. Today, we use "burst into" to describe sudden and intense activities such as laughing, singing, or crying. It is also commonly used to represent the spontaneous eruption of something, such as flames or bullets. In summary, "burst into" is a phrasal verb that combines the meaning of "burst" from Old English and "into" from Middle English, resulting in a phrasal verb that emphasizes suddenness, intrusion, or forcefulness.