outburst
Americannoun
-
a sudden and violent release or outpouring.
an outburst of tears.
-
a sudden spell of activity, energy, etc.
-
a public disturbance; riot; outbreak.
-
a bursting forth; eruption.
noun
-
a sudden and violent expression of emotion
-
an explosion or eruption
Etymology
Origin of outburst
Explanation
When you can't help an angry shout or a burst of emotion, that's an outburst. A toddler's outburst might take the form of a full-blown temper tantrum. An outburst of passion or emotion can be angry words, a broken glass, or a triumphant whoop. There are also figurative outbursts, like the outburst of political enthusiasm within a particular group of voters, or an outburst of energy in the midst of a modern dance performance. The Middle English verb that proceeded outburst was outbresten.
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.
Webb's high resolution suggests that this dark lane may be connected to an outburst or flow of material from the central star, a process often driven by twin jets shooting out in opposite directions.
From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026
As shown by the overwhelmingly positive reaction when he came on at Anfield against Brighton in December, a week after his outburst, Salah will always be adored in these parts.
From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026
They fired out to an early lead thanks to Baker-Mazara, who followed up a 13-point outburst Saturday by knocking down three consecutive 3’s in a three-minute stretch.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026
Ratcliffe was widely criticised for his outburst last week and later apologised if his remarks had "offended some people".
From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026
After witnessing Dasch's angry outburst, Cullen was wondering how many more men were hidden in the fog.
From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple
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.
