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 are no explosive revelations, gotcha moments, dramatic confessions, or theatrical outbursts. — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Sleep deprivation strips away that capacity, often resulting in erratic outbursts or defensive behaviors that dismantle trust instantly. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

For the outburst, he was originally charged with three counts of intimidation, a Level 5 felony. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Fifty years ago, the nation celebrated the 200th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence amid an outburst of patriotism and good feeling after surviving the 20th Century’s greatest threat to the efficacy of its democratic institutions. — Carl Leubsdorf, Mercury News, 4 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