outbreak

[out-breyk]

noun

1. a sudden breaking break out or occurrence, especially of something bad or unpleasant; eruption.

   the outbreak of war.

2. a sudden and active manifestation.

   an outbreak of hives.

3. a sudden increase in the incidence of a disease or medical condition in a particular place or population: a worldwide polio outbreak in the early 1900s.

   a serious outbreak of malaria in northern Uganda;

   a worldwide polio outbreak in the early 1900s.

4. an outburst.

   an outbreak of temper.

5. an insurrection, revolt, or mutiny.

6. a public disturbance; riot.

outbreak

/ ˈaʊtˌbreɪk /

noun

1. a sudden, violent, or spontaneous occurrence, esp of disease or strife

Word History and Origins

Origin of outbreak¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; out- + break

Example Sentences

It will feel particularly chilly in areas that continue to see outbreaks of rain.

From BBC

The rains have stranded millions mid-commute, left cars floating in streets that have turned into rivers and caused outbreaks of leptospirosis, a liver ailment that spreads through the excrement of sewer rats.

From BBC

She said that the secretary’s gutting of a vaccine advisory committee has left the nation unprepared to combat outbreaks.

From Salon

It comes as a slow-moving weather front is forecast to stall across parts of Wales and northern England, bringing persistent outbreaks of rain.

From BBC

A mumps outbreak forces Eureka Day to temporarily close its doors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crash 
• disruption 
• epidemic 
• eruption 
• explosion 
• flare-up 
• onset 
• plague 
• storm 
• surge 
• uprising