outburst

[ out-burst ]

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

/ ˈaʊtˌbɜːst /

noun

1. a sudden and violent expression of emotion
2. an explosion or eruption

Word History and Origins

Origin of outburst¹

First recorded in 1650–60; out- + burst

Example Sentences

Many parents are all too familiar with angry outbursts from their children, from sibling squabbles to protests over screen time limits.

From Science Daily

One attendee shakes her head and covers her mouth to stifle an outburst.

From Salon

In Moreno Valley, a high school teacher was placed on leave following a racially charged anti-Trump outburst in the classroom where he said that many Latino men who support Trump want to be white.

From Los Angeles Times

But several parents and other adults in the Moreno Valley community said that Perez’s inappropriate and racially charged outburst merits serious disciplinary action.

From Los Angeles Times

Amsterdam's mayor Femke Halsema said the "war in the Middle East has threatened the peace in our city" and there had been a "terrible outburst of antisemitism".

From BBC

Related Words

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