outbreak

noun

out·​break ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk 

1

a

: a sudden or violent increase in activity or currency

the outbreak of war

b

: a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease

an outbreak of measles

c

: a sudden increase in numbers of a harmful organism and especially an insect within a particular area

an outbreak of locusts

2

: insurrection, revolt

Synonyms

• burst
• flare
• flare-up
• flash
• flicker
• flurry
• flutter
• outburst
• spurt

Examples of outbreak in a Sentence

there was an immediate outbreak of paper shuffling and a pretense of work when the supervisor passed through the room

the government quelled the outbreak with ruthless efficiency

Recent Examples on the Web

The recall stemmed from a Salmonella outbreak that, as of Nov. 26, has sickened at least 68 people, 18 of whom have been hospitalized. —Korin Miller, Health, 6 Dec. 2024

What states have been impacted by salmonella outbreak tied to cucumbers? —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024

But at the present time, too little is known about the current outbreak. —Dave Wessner, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 ground textile manufacturing to a halt but did not diminish demand for its output. —Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

outbreak

noun

out·​break ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk 

1

: a sudden increase in activity, use, or acceptance

the outbreak of war

2

: something (as an epidemic or revolution) that breaks out

an outbreak of measles

Medical Definition

outbreak

noun

out·​break ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk 

1

: a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease

an outbreak of measles

2

: a sudden increase in numbers of a harmful organism and especially an insect within a particular area

an outbreak of locusts