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
C. E. Montague3
: eruption
volcanic outbursts
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
From addiction struggles to violent outbursts, Nick has had his share of battles throughout the years.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez , Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Kate is rebelling against Petruchio’s efforts to control her, but her words also help explain confessional outbursts from women who’ve spent too long in relationships suppressing anger.
—Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025
Glacial lake outburst floods – when water that is dammed up by a glacier is suddenly released – are becoming more frequent.
—Matthew L. Druckenmiller, The Conversation, 16 Dec. 2025
The melting of the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, Alaska, for instance, led to sudden glacial outbursts of water in recent years, causing devastating floods.
—Barbara Moran, NPR, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for outburst
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Christina Dugan Ramirez , Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Kate is rebelling against Petruchio’s efforts to control her, but her words also help explain confessional outbursts from women who’ve spent too long in relationships suppressing anger.
—Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025
Glacial lake outburst floods – when water that is dammed up by a glacier is suddenly released – are becoming more frequent.
—Matthew L. Druckenmiller, The Conversation, 16 Dec. 2025
The melting of the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, Alaska, for instance, led to sudden glacial outbursts of water in recent years, causing devastating floods.
—Barbara Moran, NPR, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for outburst
Cite this Entry
“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outburst. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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