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outburst

/ˌaʊtˈbʌrst/
/ˈaʊtbəst/
IPA guide

Other forms: outbursts

When you can't help an angry shout or a burst of emotion, that's an outburst. A toddler's outburst might take the form of a full-blown temper tantrum.

An outburst of passion or emotion can be angry words, a broken glass, or a triumphant whoop. There are also figurative outbursts, like the outburst of political enthusiasm within a particular group of voters, or an outburst of energy in the midst of a modern dance performance. The Middle English verb that proceeded outburst was outbresten.

Definitions of outburst
  1. noun
    an unrestrained expression of emotion
    see moresee less
    types:
    acting out
    a (usually irritating) impulsive and uncontrollable outburst by a problem child or a neurotic adult
    cry
    a fit of weeping
    explosion
    a sudden outburst
    flare
    a sudden outburst of emotion
    type of:
    expression, manifestation, reflection, reflexion
    expression without words
  2. noun
    a sudden intense happening
    “an outburst of heavy rain”
    synonyms: burst, flare-up
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    types:
    salvo
    an outburst resembling the discharge of firearms or the release of bombs
    rush
    a sudden burst of activity
    type of:
    happening, natural event, occurrence, occurrent
    an event that happens
  3. noun
    a sudden violent disturbance
    see moresee less
    type of:
    disturbance
    the act of disturbing something or someone; setting something in motion
Pronunciation
US
/ˌaʊtˈbʌrst/
UK
/ˈaʊtbəst/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘outburst'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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