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Synonyms

outbreak

American  
[out-breyk] / ˈaʊtˌbreɪk /

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 British  
/ ˈaʊtˌbreɪk /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of outbreak

First recorded in 1595–1605; out- + break

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Meg's death came months before an "unprecedented" outbreak of MenB in Kent, which resulted in the deaths of two young people.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Dogs at the Chesterfield Square animal shelter have been kept inside their kennels for three weeks due to a giardia outbreak.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

With the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, gold fell around 12% in March.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Gold and silver have posted gains for four consecutive sessions, making up ground after the outbreak of the war in Iran made speculation on precious metals futures less attractive for investors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Only a few hours after the outbreak of hostilities between Japan and the United States, San Piedro Island late last night was prepared—temporarily at least—for an air raid bombing or other serious emergency.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.