outbreak

noun

out·​break ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk 

1

a

: a sudden or violent increase in activity or currency

the outbreak of war

b

: a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease

an outbreak of measles

c

: a sudden increase in numbers of a harmful organism and especially an insect within a particular area

an outbreak of locusts

2

: insurrection, revolt

Synonyms of outbreak

• flurry
• burst
• outburst

Examples of outbreak in a Sentence

there was an immediate outbreak of paper shuffling and a pretense of work when the supervisor passed through the room

the government quelled the outbreak with ruthless efficiency

Recent Examples on the Web

The Florida Department of Health is doing an indepth history, investigating how the outbreak started. — Jessica Meszaros, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026

Tolivar attributed about 150 basis points of the same-restaurant sales impact to consumer concerns about fresh produce following a Cyclospora outbreak, even though Cava wasn’t among the chains linked to it. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026

The death comes amid an outbreak in the Badger State that has stricken over 430 people across 13 counties this year. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026

Park officials have informed the local communities in and around the affected area about the outbreak, advising people not to touch or consume any animals found dead and instead report them to authorities, Parker said. — Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for outbreak

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache

Kids Definition

outbreak

noun

out·​break ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk 

1

: a sudden increase in activity, use, or acceptance

the outbreak of war

2

: something (as an epidemic or revolution) that breaks out

an outbreak of measles

Medical Definition

outbreak

noun

out·​break ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk 

1

: a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease

an outbreak of measles

2

: a sudden increase in numbers of a harmful organism and especially an insect within a particular area

an outbreak of locusts