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

This summer, for example, a dry August plus an outbreak of southern rust has depressed yields for corn, which I’ve just started to harvest.

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QUESTION: Why has there been this outbreak of unrest?

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Farm outbreaks are rising as migrating flocks spread infection across commercial poultry operations.

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Farm outbreaks are rising as migrating flocks spread infection across commercial poultry operations.

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Since September, nearly 90 U.S. chicken and turkey flocks have experienced avian flu outbreaks, leading to the destruction of 7.4 million birds.

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Related Words

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