Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sudden, often violent, release of something: An "outburst" typically refers to a sudden and forceful expression or occurrence, often of emotions, energy, or natural phenomena.
   • An unrestrained expression of strong feeling: It commonly describes a sudden, uncontrolled display of emotion, such as anger, laughter, or applause.
   • A sudden, intense happening or disturbance: It can also denote a brief, sharp increase in activity or a disruptive event.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The child's angry outburst in the supermarket embarrassed his parents.
  • The meeting was interrupted by an outburst of applause from the audience.
  • The volcano's sudden outburst of ash and lava forced an evacuation.
  • Her outburst of generosity surprised everyone; she donated a large sum anonymously.

Advanced Usage

• "outburst of violence": A sudden, brief episode of violent behavior.
  • The protest began peacefully but was marred by an outburst of violence.
• "emotional outburst": A sudden, uncontrolled display of strong feelings.
  • After the stressful week, she had a minor emotional outburst and started crying.
• "volcanic outburst": A sudden, explosive eruption from a volcano.
  • Scientists are monitoring the volcano for signs of another major outburst.

Variants and Related Words

• Outburst is primarily used as a noun. There is no direct verb form "to outburst." The related verb is often "to burst out," as in "to burst out laughing/crying."
• Outbursting (adj, rare): Characterized by or prone to outbursts.
  • His outbursting temperament made him difficult to work with.

Synonyms

• Eruption: A sudden, violent outburst, especially of a volcano or emotion.
• Explosion: A sudden and violent release of energy or emotion.
• Flare-up: A sudden occurrence or outburst of anger, violence, or illness.
• Paroxysm: A sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity.

Phrasal Verbs

• Burst out: To suddenly begin doing something, like laughing, crying, or speaking. This phrasal verb is conceptually related to the noun "outburst."
  • Upon hearing the joke, she burst out laughing.
  • He burst out with a string of accusations.

Related Idioms

• To have/throw a tantrum: This idiom is a specific type of emotional outburst, typically associated with children.
  • The toddler had a tantrum when he was told he couldn't have candy.
• To fly off the handle: To suddenly become very angry (an outburst of anger).
  • He tends to fly off the handle over minor inconveniences.

Noun

1. a sudden violent disturbance
2. a sudden intense happening
   • an outburst of heavy rain
   • a burst of lightning
3. an unrestrained expression of emotion