outbreak

[ out-breyk ]

noun

1. a sudden breaking break out or occurrence, especially of something bad or unpleasant; eruption:

   the outbreak of war.

2. a sudden and active manifestation:

   an outbreak of hives.

3. a sudden increase in the incidence of a disease or medical condition in a particular place or population: a worldwide polio outbreak in the early 1900s.

   a serious outbreak of malaria in northern Uganda;

   a worldwide polio outbreak in the early 1900s.

4. an outburst:

   an outbreak of temper.

5. an insurrection, revolt, or mutiny.
6. a public disturbance; riot.

outbreak

/ ˈaʊtˌbreɪk /

noun

1. a sudden, violent, or spontaneous occurrence, esp of disease or strife

Word History and Origins

Origin of outbreak¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; out- + break

Example Sentences

Travellers have not been allowed to bring back items such as cured meat and cheese, including in sandwiches, since Saturday due to the growing outbreak on the continent.

From BBC

Under the terms agreed, countries will have to ensure that pandemic-related drugs are available across the world in a future outbreak.

From BBC

Domoic acid outbreak killing and sickening marine mammals and birds along Southern California coast.

From Los Angeles Times

A UN agency meanwhile warned that "the humanitarian situation in Gaza is now likely the worst it has been in the 18 months since the outbreak of hostilities".

From BBC

At the moment it looks like low pressure will approach from the west on Good Friday bringing outbreaks of heavy rain, especially in western parts.

From BBC

Related Words

• crash
• disruption
• epidemic
• eruption
• explosion
• flare-up
• onset
• plague
• storm
• surge
• uprising