breakout

noun break·out \ ˈbrāk-ˌau̇t \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 2018

Definition of breakout

1 : a violent or forceful break from a restraining condition or situation; especially : a military attack to break from encirclement

2 : an eruption or inflammation of the skin

Because stress can throw your hormones out of balance, it can make normal sebaceous glands produce oil at an increased rate, causing breakouts.
—Harper's Bazaar

See breakout defined for English-language learners

Examples of breakout in a Sentence

the captives had been planning to stage a breakout at the next change in shift for the guards

Recent Examples of breakout from the Web

Etienne, a 5-foot-10, 200-pound sophomore with sprinter speed, appears poised for a breakout season.

— jake lourim, The Courier-Journal, "Here's how Louisville football could actually beat Clemson in 2018," 10 July 2018
But then Kasatkina, a 21-year-old Russian who is having a breakout season, has so many tennis tools.

— christopher clarey, New York Times, "A Calm Serena Williams Claims Her Spot in the Wimbledon Semifinals," 10 July 2018
His ridiculous breakout has been one of the best stories in baseball—and if his performance doesn’t qualify as All-Star caliber, then nothing does.

— emma baccellieri, SI.com, "All-Star Game Snubs: Blake Snell, Max Muncy and Seven Other Roster Whiffs," 8 July 2018
Nash, 29, a first-round selection by Edmonton in 2007, had a breakout season (15 goals, 26 assists) for Boston.

— sam carchidi, Philly.com, "Flyers enter NHL free agency with the cap space, here are the players they might be considering | Sam Carchidi," 29 June 2018
But the second coach in program history has since led one of the nation’s largest turnarounds, qualifying for the NIT in 2017 before this spring’s breakout season.

— michael lycklama, idahostatesman, "She led Boise State to its first softball conference title this spring. Now she’s leaving.," 27 June 2018
But his sophomore breakout has been buried under an avalanche of Clemens home runs and heroics.

— nick moyle, San Antonio Express-News, "Hamilton’s speed could be a boon for Longhorns at CWS," 15 June 2018
Seeing a professional not only gives you a clue of what’s going on, but also access to treatments and things like antibiotics that have a better chance of getting rid of those zits — or, at least, making your breakouts more manageable.

— megan mcintyre, Teen Vogue, "Lessons From Having Acne for 20 Years," 11 June 2018
If Jacksonville is hoping Donte Moncrief can fill the void, it is bound to be disappointed like the fantasy owners who have been banking on his breakout over the last two years.

— steven ruiz, For The Win, "AFC South offseason grades: Titans the new favorites after big offseason," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'breakout.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of breakout

1820

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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breakout Synonyms

breakout

adjective

Definition of breakout

: being or relating to a sudden or smashing success especially in comparison to previous efforts

a breakout book

See breakout defined for English-language learners

Examples of breakout in a Sentence

The company had a breakout year last year, tripling its profits from the previous year.

Recent Examples of breakout from the Web

American Ashley Wagner was a surprise omission from the U.S. figure skating roster after Tennell's breakout performances in Skate America and the national championships.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Everything you need to know about the Winter Olympics," 8 Feb. 2018
American Ashley Wagner was a surprise omission from the U.S. figure skating roster after Tennell's breakout performances in Skate America and the national championships.

— the washington post, chicagotribune.com, "Everything you need to know about the Winter Olympics," 7 Feb. 2018
Sparring Partner Next year's breakout Victoria's Secret supermodel, who has a mean right cross.

— benjy hansen-bundy, GQ, "How To Be Better Than Everyone Else In 2018," 7 Feb. 2018
The evening featured a panel presentation and interactive breakout discussion groups aimed to empower singles to share their common experiences and ideas for proactive solutions.

— sergio carmona, Jewish Journal, "South Beach soiree attracts Jewish singles looking for love," 7 Feb. 2018
Johnson said via email, before her breakout weekend.

— chadd cripe, idahostatesman, "U.S. Olympians with ties to Idaho include skier, snowboarders | Idaho Statesman," 6 Feb. 2018
Bartosz Kapustka, a player hyped for his breakout performances for Poland at Euro 2016, failed to play a single Premier League game last season and was loaned to Freiburg for 2017-18.

— SI.com, "Extent of Leicester's Poor 2016 Recruitment Made Clear After Last Signings Leave Club," 2 Feb. 2018
Similarly, Haddish’s spirited turn in Girls Trip was one of the breakout performances of 2017.

— eliza berman, Time, "The Biggest Snubs and Surprises of the 2018 Oscar Nominations," 23 Jan. 2018
Camila Mendes is best known for her breakout performance as pithy former mean girl Veronica Lodge on The CW's Riverdale.

— julie kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Riverdale's Camila Mendes Impersonates the Internet," 18 Jan. 2018

First Known Use of breakout

1960

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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break out

verb

Definition of break out

intransitive verb

1 : to develop or emerge with suddenness or force

fire broke out

a riot broke out

2 a : to become covered

break out in a sweat

b : to become affected with an eruption or inflammation of the skin

break out in hives

his face broke out with acne

3 : to make a break from a restraining condition or situation

broke out of a slump

broke out of jail

transitive verb

1 a : to make ready for action or use

break out the tents and make camp

b : to produce for consumption

break out a bottle of champagne

2 : to display flying and unfurled

3 : to separate from a mass of data

break out newsstand sales

See break out defined for kids

Examples of break out in a Sentence

in the wake of news reports of deaths from the flu, panic broke out, and there was a mad rush for flu shots

Recent Examples of break out from the Web

This was the scene as French inmate Redoine Faid broke out of jail on Sunday (with some help from his friends).

— hallie detrick, Fortune, "That Dramatic Helicopter Prison Escape Was Inspired by the Man Who Brought You 'Miami Vice'," 3 July 2018
Since breaking out of the Sedgwick County Zoo in 2005, the pink flamingo has been also been seen in Wisconsin and Louisiana.

— caitlin o'kane, CBS News, "Flamingo missing since 2005 spotted in Texas," 26 June 2018
So, what if a fire does break out in your kitchen despite your best efforts?

— carolyn l. todd, SELF, "Emergency Responders Share 9 of the Biggest Death Traps in Your Home," 14 July 2018
Three people were stabbed late Thursday night after a fight broke out at the amphitheater near the base of the Oceanside pier, in a brawl that police suspect was gang-related.

— teri figueroa, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Three stabbed in suspected gang fight near Oceanside pier," 13 July 2018
Bruno Mars was forced to evacuate the stage and put his concert on pause during a Tuesday night (July 10) show in Glasgow after a small fire broke out.

— sam tornow, Billboard, "Bruno Mars Forced to Temporarily Leave Stage After Fire Breaks Out During Glasgow Show," 11 July 2018
If your skin doesn't break out (any more than usual, anyway), massage a few drops of oil over your skin at the end of your skincare routine at night.

— chloe metzger, Marie Claire, "The Best Face Oil for Every Single Skin Type," 11 July 2018
In arrest warrants, authorities allege Anderson repeatedly told officers that Rutledge, 32, had just left his home before the blaze broke out — all the while knowing Rutledge was in a second-floor bedroom.

— raisa habersham, ajc, "Boyfriend charged weeks after woman dies in Gwinnett townhome fire," 10 July 2018
The victim and the suspect, Jose Gardea, 34, had been collaborating on a construction project for a homeowner in the 1200 block of Hobday Road in Wilton before an argument broke out, Sgt.

— jordan cutler-tietjen, sacbee, "Hammer assault during home construction project leaves man in critical condition," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'break out.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of break out

before 12th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

break out Synonyms

Synonyms

blaze (up), burst (forth), erupt, explode, flame, flare (up);

Related Words

rocket, skyrocket;

balloon, burgeon (also bourgeon), mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, snowball, swell, wax;

blow up, detonate, touch off;

BREAKOUT Defined for English Language Learners

breakout

noun

Definition of breakout for English Language Learners

: an escape from a prison, jail, etc.

breakout

adjective

Definition of breakout for English Language Learners

: having, causing, or marked by sudden and great success that comes usually after a time without much success

Medical Dictionary

breakout

noun break·out \ ˈbrā-ˌkau̇t \

medical Definition of breakout

: an eruption or inflammation of the skin

This is especially true for those who have acne and are desperate to stop breakouts without taking prescription antibiotics …
—Stacie Stukin, The Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2007

Because stress can throw your hormones out of balance, it can make normal sebaceous glands produce oil at an increased rate, causing breakouts.
—Harper's Bazaar, May 1981