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

Wolff completed the hat trick in the 69th minute, capitalizing in the area to cap Sacramento’s five-goal outburst. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Often kids dealing with restraint collapse exhibit an explosive outburst of emotions. — Liz Regalia, Parents, 2 Aug. 2026

Even in their two highest-scoring games — a 47-point outburst at the Cincinnati Bengals and a 38-point showing against the San Francisco 49ers — the offense came up empty on its final drives of the first half. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

He was ousted from Dior and his namesake fashion house in 2011 following racist and antisemitic outbursts at a Paris bar. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 31 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