View synonyms for

outbreak

[ out-breyk ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a sudden breaking break out or occurrence, especially of something bad or unpleasant; eruption:
the outbreak of war.
a sudden and active manifestation:
an outbreak of hives.
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.
an outburst:
an outbreak of temper.
an insurrection, revolt, or mutiny.
a public disturbance; riot.

outbreak

/ ˈ��ʊ��ˌ��ɪ�� /

noun

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of outbreak¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; out- + break

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

And with outbreaks south of us working their way ever closer, we'll have science to thank if it stays that way.

From

Q: Given the rise in vaccine skepticism, are you worried that the recent measles outbreak could grow?

From

Measles has been confirmed in a Los Angeles County resident who recently returned from Texas, a state that is in the midst of an outbreak of the highly infectious disease, health officials said Friday.

From

The light which sits above the Big Ben bell at the top of the Elizabeth Tower, was switched off at the outbreak of war in 1939 to comply with blackout regulations.

From

In the 25 years since, there have been 10,570 measles cases, including the 800 people sickened in the outbreak that began in west Texas in January.

From

Related Words

outbrave outbreed

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