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

Early on the sister of one of the teachers killed was removed from the courtroom after an angry outburst following one officer’s testimony. —Valerie Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Across the galaxy and even the cosmos itself, immense outbursts of energy occur that could easily vaporize our planet. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 Jan. 2026

Some are having emotional outbursts. —Meg Anderson, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026

The judge told the jury to disregard the outburst, and later admonished the gallery, including the family members present. —Matthew J. Friedman, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026

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