outburst

noun

out·​burst ˈau̇t-ˌbərst How to pronounce outburst (audio)
1
: a violent expression of feeling
an outburst of anger
2
: a surge of activity or growth
new outbursts of creative powerC. E. Montague
3
: eruption
volcanic outbursts

Example Sentences

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 Cooke told the outlet that there's a possibility of a significant outburst and the meteor shower could produce rates two times the norm. Christopher Brito, CBS News, 5 May 2023 Included in that: a career-high 56-point effort against Milwaukee in Game 4 of Round 1, followed by a 42-point outburst two nights later as the Heat became the first No. 8 seed in NBA history to lose no more than one game on the way to beating a No. 1 seed. Tim Reynolds, ajc, 4 May 2023 In recent years, former employees said, the frequency of Ms. Lynch’s abusive outbursts and impulsive firings has increased, even as many chefs have improved workplace conditions since the start of the #MeToo movement. Julia Moskin, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2023 The fact that the outburst came against Brewers starter Freddy Peralta added a bit of early season validation. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2023 The offensive outburst also gained closer Devin Williams a day of recovery after being struck in his right biceps by a line drive in Saturday's win, although a tough eighth by Javy Guerra opened the door to a couple more Chicago runs crossing the plate. Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2023 Siegrist also set the school scoring record and had a 50-point outburst against Seton Hall in February. Jaylon Thompson, USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2023 The event marking the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany 78 years ago was also marred by an outburst from Yevgeniy Prigozhin, a key participant in the war on Ukraine and a vocal critic of the military leaders managing it. Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 9 May 2023 The outer layers will engulf the nearest planets, including Earth, which will plunge into the core and be vaporized, triggering an outburst of energy and matter. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outburst.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outburst was in 1657

Dictionary Entries Near outburst

Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outburst. Accessed 1 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

outburst

noun
out·​burst -ˌbərst How to pronounce outburst (audio)
1
: a sudden violent expression of strong feeling
an outburst of anger
2
: a sudden increase in activity or growth

More from Merriam-Webster on outburst

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