EnglishMain Dictionary
spring
Universal Words
noun, verb
noun
season
1 [U,C] the season between winter and summer when plants begin to grow:
flowers that bloom in spring / in the spring * He was born in the spring of 1944. * There's a feeling of spring in the air today. * spring flowers / weather
twisted wire
2 [C] a twisted piece of metal that can be pushed, pressed or pulled but which always returns to its original shape or position afterwards:
bed springs * The springs in the sofa have gone (= they no longer return to their original position). * She's full of energy, like a coiled spring.
3 [U] the ability of a spring to return to its original position:
The mattress has lost its spring.
water
4 [C] a place where water comes naturally to the surface from under the ground:
a mountain spring * spring water
cheerful quality
5 [U,sing.] a cheerful, lively quality:
She walked along with a spring in her step.
sudden jump
6 [C] a quick sudden jump upwards or forwards:
With a spring, the cat leapt on to the table.
IDIOMS see JOY
verb (sprang ) (AmE also sprung, sprung)
jump / move suddenly
1 [V] [usually +adv./prep.] (of a person or an animal) to move suddenly and with one quick movement in a particular direction:
He turned off the alarm and sprang out of bed. * Everyone sprang to their feet (= stood up suddenly) when the principal walked in. * The cat crouched ready to spring. * The attacker sprang out at her from a doorway. * (figurative) to spring to sb's defence / assistance (= to quickly defend or help sb)
2 (of an object) to move suddenly and violently: [V, +adv./prep.] The branch sprang back and hit him in the face. * [V-ADJ] She turned the key and the lid sprang open.
surprise
3 [VN] ~ sth (on sb) to do sth, ask sth or say sth that sb is not expecting:
She sprang a surprise by winning the tournament. * I'm sorry to spring it on you, but I've been offered another job.
appear suddenly
4 [V+adv./prep.] to appear or come somewhere suddenly:
Tears sprang to her eyes. * He tried to bite back the words that sprang to his lips.
free prisoner
5 [VN] (informal) to help a prisoner to escape:
Plans to spring the hostages have failed.
IDIOMS
spring into action