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

His violent outburst came during a seemingly innocent play. —Josh Yohe, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Volgren’s outburst erased a 4-1 deficit after the Spartans scored the first three goals of the period. —Jim Hoehn, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2026

This sudden outburst earns her a pauper’s grave, after she’s hauled out of the restaurant and shoved, accidentally or intentionally, down the stairs. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2026

Kennedy responded with an outburst full of expletives. —ABC News, 4 Mar. 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