Definition

Noun: 1. An escape from jail or prison: A breakout refers to the act of one or more prisoners escaping from a place of confinement. 2. A sudden, forceful, or dramatic emergence or increase: In a broader sense, a breakout can describe a sudden appearance, eruption, or significant rise in something, such as a disease, a trend, or success.

Usage

The word "breakout" is primarily used as a noun. It describes a specific event of escaping or a sudden, notable occurrence. It is often used in news reports, discussions of security, and analyses of trends.

Examples

• As an escape from jail:
  • The prison breakout was executed under the cover of night.
  • Authorities are searching for three inmates after the daring breakout.
• As a sudden emergence or increase:
  • The company's new product was a breakout success, dominating the market.
  • Health officials are monitoring a breakout of the flu in the region.

Advanced Usage

• "Breakout role/star/performance": This is a common collocation in entertainment, referring to the role or performance that brings an actor or performer significant fame and recognition for the first time.
  • Her breakout role in the indie film launched her Hollywood career.
• "Breakout session": In the context of conferences or meetings, this refers to a small group discussion that separates from a larger meeting to focus on a specific topic.
  • After the keynote speech, attendees will participate in specialized breakout sessions.

Variants and Related Words

• Break out (phrasal verb): To escape from a place, or for something like war, disease, or fire to start suddenly.
  • The prisoners tried to break out of jail.
  • Fighting could break out at any moment.
• Breakout (adjective): Used attributively to describe something associated with a sudden rise to success or prominence.
  • He is this year's breakout artist.
  • The breakout novel captivated readers worldwide.

Synonyms

• Escape (for the prison meaning): Jailbreak, flight, getaway.
• Eruption (for the sudden emergence meaning): Outbreak, flare-up, explosion, surge.

Phrasal Verbs Related

• Break out in: To suddenly become covered in something, like a rash or sweat.
  • The stress made him break out in a cold sweat.
• Break out of: To escape from a restrictive situation or pattern.
  • She wanted to break out of her routine and try something new.

Related Idioms

• Break out the champagne: To celebrate, often by opening a bottle of champagne.
  • It's time to break out the champagne; we've finally finished the project!
• Break out in a cold sweat: To suddenly become very nervous or frightened.
  • Just thinking about the exam makes me break out in a cold sweat.

Noun

1. an escape from jail
   • the breakout was carefully planned