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

Investor expectations of future BOE policy have changed dramatically since the outbreak of the conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

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