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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.

outburst British  
/ ˈaʊtˌbɜːst /

noun

  1. a sudden and violent expression of emotion

  2. an explosion or eruption

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of outburst

First recorded in 1650–60; out- + burst

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.

Davidson has coprolalia, which results in involuntary outbursts of swear words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks.

From BBC

The sister of one of the teachers killed was removed from the gallery after an anguished outburst aimed at defense attorneys.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Once I settled into it, it felt like more of a physical release as opposed to an emotional outburst," she told the BBC.

From BBC

An anguished outburst from the gallery by the sister of a teacher who was killed prompted the judge to warn lawyers that such behavior could also derail the trial.

From The Wall Street Journal

Glasner confirmed on Friday he will leave Palace when his contract expires at the end of the season - but whether his outburst accelerates his departure remains to be seen.

From BBC

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.