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.

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outbreak British  

/ ˈaʊtˌbreɪk /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of outbreak

First recorded in 1595–1605; out- + break

Example Sentences

No new meningitis cases have been reported for the second day in a row following the outbreak in Kent earlier this month.

From BBC

Until Monday, Norwegian was the worst-performing cruise stock since the outbreak of the war.

From Barron's

A total of 29 confirmed or suspected cases of meningitis have been linked to the Kent outbreak, which has killed two people.

From BBC

The MenB vaccination offers the "best longer-term protection" but "taking preventative antibiotics is the most important immediate action in response to the current outbreak", said the UKHSA.

From BBC

A total of 5,841 people have received vaccinations since they were introduced on Wednesday, following the recent outbreak, which has left two young people dead.

From BBC

Related Words

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