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

In 2018, another brief outburst sent rates soaring above 100 meteors per hour, according to EarthSky. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Michael Douglas was subject to violent and angry outbursts as well. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Like yet another Kenneth Walker III outburst, including a 76-yard run when the Chiefs were sagging late in the third quarter. — Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026

Against the Wings, the Valkyries withstood Ogunbowale’s scoring outburst by holding Paige Bueckers and Jessica Shepard in check. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outburst

• accursed
• amerced
• cloudburst
• coerced
• conversed
• disbursed
• dispersed
• headfirst
• immersed
• rehearsed
• reversed
• starburst

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