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

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

His 60-point outburst against the Miami Heat last Thursday was the first 60-point game in Lakers history since Kobe Bryant’s last game in 2016.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

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

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 • Mar. 12, 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

“Oh, enough, Robert!” she broke into his heated outburst.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Related Words

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