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

• 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 brightening coincides with the system having an outburst. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2025

The conversation — which delivered plenty of delightful outbursts from the over-the-top Tonioli — took a deep dive into a Season 7 emergency that sent Julianne Hough to the ER, and the memorable night protestors stormed the DWTS stage. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 9 Sep. 2025

Tensions build to an afternoon outburst. —Usa Today, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025

Coleman had touchdown runs of 15, 1, 9, 7 and 5 yards to ignite the outburst as Washington piled up 628 yards and 34 touchdowns while limiting the Aggies to 218 yards and 13 first downs. —Joe Davidosn, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outburst

• amerced
• cloudburst
• coerced
• conversed
• disbursed
• dispersed
• headfirst
• immersed
• rehearsed
• reversed
• submersed
• sunburst

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