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

Segal advises employers who are weighing their options following a contentious employee outburst to run through a series of questions to determine a course of action. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025

Howard, a queen bee with a racy reputation, became a scene-stealer with her emotional outbursts and volatile friendship with Maddy (Alexa Demie). —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025

So, pause before responding and try to remain neutral during their outbursts. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

And about a month later, Hill himself apologized for the outburst. —Dianna Russini, New York Times, 13 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