outburst

American  

[out-burst] / ˈaʊtˌbɜrst /

noun

1. a sudden and violent release or outpouring.

   an outburst of tears.

2. a sudden spell of activity, energy, etc.

3. a public disturbance; riot; outbreak.

4. a bursting forth; eruption.

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outburst British  

/ ˈaʊtˌbɜːst /

noun

1. a sudden and violent expression of emotion

2. an explosion or eruption

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Etymology

Origin of outburst

First recorded in 1650–60; out- + burst

Example Sentences

He seldom comments on the behavior of the competitors—their outbursts speak for themselves.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then came a once-in-a-lifetime outburst that turned into the second highest scoring performance in the league’s history.

From The Wall Street Journal

Prone to social media outbursts, grandiloquent speeches and public spats, Petro has burned through more than 60 ministers in four years.

From Barron's

But when he is in the middle of a contentious situation, he can be brash and prone to angry outbursts.

From The Wall Street Journal

She’s witnessed students have emotional outbursts, break into tears, hide under their hoodies and push cafeteria food around on their plates because they’ve lost their appetites, unable to stomach the chaos in their communities.

From Salon

Related Words

• burst
• eruption
• explosion
• flare-up
• frenzy
• outbreak
• outpouring
• spasm
• storm
• surge
• tantrum
• upheaval