outburst

noun

out·​burst ˈau̇t-ˌbərst 

1

: a violent expression of feeling

an outburst of anger

2

: a surge of activity or growth

new outbursts of creative power

—C. E. Montague

3

: eruption

volcanic outbursts

Synonyms

• agony
• blaze
• burst
• ebullition
• eruption
• explosion
• fit
• flare
• flare-up
• flash
• flush
• gale
• gush
• gust
• paroxysm
• spasm
• storm

Examples of outburst in a Sentence

the judge directed the courtroom spectators to refrain from any outbursts when the verdict was read

there was a remarkable outburst of work in the office as the visiting VIPs made their tour

Recent Examples on the Web

That rage has led to plenty of emotional outbursts. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

Anxious behavior and outburst are common with various kinds of dementia. —Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

The sun’s flurry of outbursts, coming after years of relative quiet and calm, is a sure sign that the star has entered a busy phase of its natural cycle, according to experts: solar maximum. —Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 2 Dec. 2024

Discovered in 1927, this comet is notable for its continuous outbursts and orbits that remain distant from Earth, with no close approaches expected. C/2022 E2 (ATLAS): Will be visible in February 2025 during the evening in the Northern Hemisphere. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

outburst

noun

out·​burst -ˌbərst 

1

: a sudden violent expression of strong feeling

an outburst of anger

2

: a sudden increase in activity or growth