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Definition of outbreak

outbreak

/ˈaʊtbreɪk/
out · break
Plural:outbreaks
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outbreak Lexical Profile

outbreak Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The sudden or violent start of something unwelcome, such as war, disease, or civil unrest.

Example

"Public health officials worked quickly to contain the sudden outbreak of cholera in the region."

2

A sudden, intense manifestation or expression of emotion or activity.

Example

"The referee's controversial decision was met with an immediate outbreak of booing from the spectators."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

outboard
outbound
outbox
outbreak
outbuilding
outburst
outcast

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century as a compound of the adverb 'out' and the verb 'break', modeled on the phrasal verb 'break out'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Outbreak. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/outbreak
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