outburst

noun

out·​burst ˈau̇t-ˌbərst 

1

: a violent expression of feeling

an outburst of anger

2

: a surge of activity or growth

new outbursts of creative power

—C. E. Montague

3

: eruption

volcanic outbursts

Synonyms

• agony
• blaze
• burst
• ebullition
• eruption
• explosion
• fit
• flare
• flare-up
• flash
• flush
• gale
• gush
• gust
• paroxysm
• spasm
• storm

Examples of outburst in a Sentence

the judge directed the courtroom spectators to refrain from any outbursts when the verdict was read

there was a remarkable outburst of work in the office as the visiting VIPs made their tour

Recent Examples on the Web

Mention that season, and most cite his 56-point outburst against Annapolis Area Christian School. —Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025

Anyone else want to torture me with an outburst at this very moment? —Melissa Willets, Parents, 24 June 2025

After Trump’s outburst, no further ceasefire violations have taken place. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2025

Alienating an American President, especially one as prone to impulsive outbursts as Trump, isn’t an option. —Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 23 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outburst

• amerced
• cloudburst
• coerced
• conversed
• disbursed
• dispersed
• headfirst
• immersed
• rehearsed
• reversed
• submersed
• sunburst

Kids Definition

outburst

noun

out·​burst -ˌbərst 

1

: a sudden violent expression of strong feeling

an outburst of anger

2

: a sudden increase in activity or growth