Outbreak
/ˈaʊtbreɪk/
Definitions
2 meaningsA sudden start or increase of something unpleasant, especially a disease or violence.
/ˈaʊtbreɪk/
A sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, such as a disease or violence.
There was an outbreak of flu in the school.
💡 Simply: Imagine a whole bunch of people get sick suddenly, or a fight starts unexpectedly. An outbreak is when something bad, like a sickness or a problem, happens all of a sudden and spreads.
👶 For kids: When something bad, like a sickness, starts happening to a lot of people really fast.
More Examples
The authorities are working to control the outbreak.
The sudden outbreak of the war shocked the world.
How It's Used
"The recent outbreak of measles has caused public health concerns."
"The outbreak of violence led to a curfew in the city."
A sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, such as a disease or violence.
/ˈaʊtbreɪk/
The start of something violent or unpleasant.
The outbreak of fighting led to casualties.
💡 Simply: Imagine a whole bunch of people get sick suddenly, or a fight starts unexpectedly. An outbreak is when something bad, like a sickness or a problem, happens all of a sudden and spreads.
👶 For kids: When something bad, like a sickness, starts happening to a lot of people really fast.
More Examples
The authorities are worried about the outbreak.
The sudden outbreak of anger surprised everyone.
How It's Used
"The outbreak of anger was immediately noticeable."
"The outbreak of war caught the world by surprise."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
outbreak of peace
An unexpected and sudden arrival of a period of peace
"Despite the tension, there was a sudden outbreak of peace between the two nations."
From 'out' (indicating emergence or spread) and 'break' (referring to a sudden beginning or disruption). The term evolved from describing a sudden rupture or escape to signify a sudden occurrence or spread of something, especially disease or conflict. The earliest usage seems to be rooted in descriptions of sudden physical events.
Historically, 'outbreak' was used more literally, referring to the breaking out of something physical (e.g., a fire). Its use expanded to encompass figurative meanings.
Memory tip
Think of a dam that breaks - a sudden, uncontrolled release of something.