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

• agony
• blaze
• burst
• ebullition
• eruption
• explosion
• fit
• flare
• flare-up
• flash
• flush
• gale
• gush
• gust
• paroxysm
• spasm
• storm

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

Crosby continued his nearly 20-year assault on the Philadelphia Flyers with a 4-point outburst as the Penguins rolled to a 7-3 victory at PPG Paints Arena in their final game before the Christmas break. —Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024

According to the New York Times in 2004, Russell locked himself in his office and refused to leave after the outburst. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024

Plenty of exploding stars are also adept at blasting outbursts of this high-energy light. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Dec. 2024

This can lead to some awkward outbursts and odd stares in the U.S., but, in the Philippines, that’s just the way life is. —Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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