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

This woman reportedly had already been receiving unwanted and threatening messages, and investigators concluded that Zhou’s AI conversations showed something more than a momentary angry outburst. — Matthew T. Christ, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

But with that slice of luck came a sudden outburst of responsibility from Brook, who then scored at almost a run a ball but did so sensibly and without taking any undue risks. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

The 36-year-old Hubble also is dropping in orbit because of the sun’s recent outbursts. — Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

The lack of offense was familiar, except for the aberration of Thursday night’s 18-run outburst against the Houston Astros. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 22 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