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 of outburst

• explosion
• burst
• eruption
• flash

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

White left immediately after her 2 1/2-minute outburst ended without taking questions. — CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Rather than heed any warning in her stepdaughter’s outburst, Rhaenyra doubles down on her penchant for using and abusing. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Stowers exits with hamstring discomfort The only significant concern to emerge from Miami’s offensive outburst involved Kyle Stowers. — Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

The McKinney City Council voted late Wednesday night to approve a site plan for a new mosque after a marathon meeting marked by outbursts and hours of public comment. — Trevor Sochocki, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outburst

• accursed
• amerced
• cloudburst
• coerced
• conversed
• disbursed
• dispersed
• headfirst
• immersed
• rehearsed
• reversed
• starburst

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