outbreak

American  

[out-breyk] / ˈaʊtˌbreɪk /

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.

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outbreak British  

/ ˈaʊtˌbreɪk /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of outbreak

First recorded in 1595–1605; out- + break

Example Sentences

Her Courage tour was subsequently cut short by the outbreak of the Covid pandemic, before she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome and forced to cancel all future shows.

From BBC

The UAE, which has long been a safe haven for foreign investment and a glamorous travel destination, has been targeted repeatedly by Iran following the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East.

From BBC

There has been a renewed focus on energy costs since the outbreak of the war in Iran, with fears a sustained rise in the price of oil may lead to a surge in household bills.

From BBC

Since the outbreak of the war of the Middle East, European countries have been on high alert for potential attacks on Iranian dissidents, Jewish places of worship and US-Israeli assets.

From Barron's

Ukrainian drone manufacturers told AFP they had been inundated with requests from the Middle East since the outbreak of war in the region.

From Barron's

Related Words

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