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

According to data from the state’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, the LAPD, CHP and the Sheriff’s Department saw recruitment dip significantly around the outbreak of the pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times

However, it has been dogged by infection outbreaks and concerns around the water and ventilation systems.

From BBC

They’re often to be found in the midst of an Ebola, cholera or severe malaria outbreak.

From MarketWatch

During the avian flu outbreak, millions of hens were destroyed across the country.

From MarketWatch

Candida auris is especially dangerous for people who are already critically ill, leaving hospitals highly exposed to outbreaks.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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