outbreak

outbreak

noun

Definition of OUTBREAK

1

a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity <there was an immediate outbreak of paper shuffling and a pretense of work when the supervisor passed through the room>

Synonyms burst, flare, flare-up, flash, flicker, flurry, flutter, outburst, spurt

Related Words recrudescence, recurrence, renewal; binge, jag, spree; boost, increase, pickup, upswing, upturn; epidemic, eruption, explosion, paroxysm; deluge, flood, rush, spate, surge, volley; commotion, furor, uproar

Near Antonyms calm, doldrums, slump

2

open fighting against authority (as one's own government) <the government quelled the outbreak with ruthless efficiency>

Synonyms insurgence, insurgency, insurrection, mutiny, outbreak, revolt, revolution, rising, uprising

Related Words coup, coup d'état (or coup d{apos}etat), overthrow; misprision, sedition, treachery, treason; sabotage, subversion

Near Antonyms counterinsurgency, counterrevolution