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

There are still alternatives down the depth chart, too, if Pages can’t turn this week’s two-homer outburst into a more prolonged period of success.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the psychiatrist, Aswat was "highly ambivalent about the need for medication and had relapsed twice as a result of stopping treatment", which had coincided with violent outbursts.

From BBC

Ramona is emotionally distant and prone to fearsome outbursts, notably berating Annie for repeatedly miswriting her “r”s on her homework.

From Salon

But outside of Smith’s outburst, USC struggled to find its stride on offense.

From Los Angeles Times

His symptoms could include aggression towards peers, faculty or objects, and he received suspensions last fall following outbursts.

From BBC

Related Words

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