outbreak
NounUS[out-breyk]/ˈaʊtˌbreɪk/2 syllables
Open English WordNet
Noun (1)outbreaks
- a sudden violent spontaneous occurrence (usually of some undesirable condition)“the outbreak of hostilities”Synonyms: eruptionirruptionType of happening, occurrenceKinds epidemic, recrudescence
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
out′break′ noun
1. A bursting forth; eruption; insurrection; mutiny; revolt. “Mobs and outbreaks.” Cardinal John Henry Newman
The flash and outbreak of a fiery mind.— William Shakespeare
2. A sudden beginning of a violent event; as, the outbreak of hostilities between ethnic groups.
3. A sudden occurrence or manifestation; — usually of disease or emotion, in one person or a group; as, an outbreak of measles among the students; he had an outbreak of shingles; an outbreak of nervousness in the mob.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54 · with additions: GCIDE editors