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

The cause of their displeasure has to do with scenes woven throughout that illustrate how Baldwin got his reputation for angry outbursts – confrontations with paparazzi through the years, for instance. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026

This is not the first time Blair has experienced an outburst on a plane. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Ebersol was so taken aback by this outburst that he was rendered momentarily speechless. — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

In 2016, witnesses told TMZ that Blair was removed from a flight on a stretcher after an outburst, according to the Associated Press. — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 12 Oct. 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