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

There have been other outbursts of violence against immigrants. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

William also was not inclined to let himself be bothered by Harry’s outbursts over the past several weeks, the authors said. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

Ten walkoff wins, a 23-run outburst featuring eight home runs and a PCA cycle were all binge-worthy moments. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2026

While hardly a spotless performance from the second-place Bombers, who threw a bullpen game, their offensive outburst put them four games behind the division-leading Rays. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 July 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