outbreak

noun

out·break | \ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk

Definition of outbreak

1a : 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 More Example Sentences Learn More about outbreak

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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

That outbreak has sickened 227 people in four states; Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. — Maggie Fox /, NBC News, "61 sick in parasite outbreak linked to McDonald's salads," 14 July 2018 The cereal is linked to a salmonella outbreak that, so far, has affected 73 people in 31 states, the CDC says. — Devon Elizabeth, SELF, "Update: There Are Now 100 Salmonella Cases Linked to Recalled Honey Smacks Cereal," 13 July 2018 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a popular Kellogg's cereal has been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has infected 100 people in 33 states. — CBS News, "CDC warning on Kellogg's Honey Smacks: "Do not eat this cereal"," 13 July 2018 The recall of Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal has been expanded by the Food and Drug Administration after a salmonella outbreak. — Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Honey Smacks recall: 100 salmonella infections in 33 states," 13 July 2018 Past outbreaks have been blamed on basil from Peru, snow peas from Guatemala and cilantro from Mexico. — Matthew Haag, New York Times, "McDonald’s Removes Salads Linked to Intestinal Parasite Outbreak in Midwest," 13 July 2018 So far, 100 people from 33 states have been infected by this outbreak , according to CDC. — Shelia Poole, ajc, "Kellogg’s recalls “Honey Smacks” over salmonella concerns," 13 July 2018 With just two bites—one to pick up a pathogen and another to transmit it—the bugs have fueled countless outbreaks. — Dan Strickman, Scientific American, "Buzz Kill: Our Best Weapons against Mosquitoes," 13 July 2018 Rubio said in a news release before discussing the algae outbreak on the Senate floor on Tuesday. — Jim Turner, Sun-Sentinel.com, "White House backs Everglades reservoir," 11 July 2018

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