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

The outburst against Oman followed reports that the Gulf nation was in talks with Iran to manage the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

This view has not been heard in the dizzying din of the emotional outburst and fearmongering of the side show and irrelevant conversation about transwomen in sports inexplicably occurring in the context of the WNBA. — Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Even if fighting does not intensify, will continuing sporadic outbursts blocking shipping through the Strait of Hormuz eventually pass through into a true global recession? — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2026

The outbursts helped relieve some pressure, but Nakashima tightened up as the prospect of making his first Masters 1000 final neared. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 13 Aug. 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