outburst

noun

out·​burst ˈau̇t-ˌbərst How to pronounce outburst (audio)
1
: a violent expression of feeling
an outburst of anger
2
: a surge of activity or growth
new outbursts of creative powerC. E. Montague
3
: eruption
volcanic outbursts

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 Also left out are Vena’s outbursts in court, which a judge and his own former attorney warned would hurt his efforts to be reunified with the child. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024 But after closing to within three points on three occasions in the third quarter, the Heat unraveled for a time, undone by poor shooting and an outburst by Michael Porter Jr., who scored 12 of his 30 in the third. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 That’s because Comet 12P is known for its dramatic outbursts, during which the ice ball loses a substantial amount of material, both ice that sublimates into gas and dust shed into the surrounding space. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 23 Feb. 2024 With its delicate erotic scenes, pervasive feeling of menace and occasional outbursts of violence — every single frame here is an exquisite tableau — this would make for a perfect Netflix series. Ernesto Lechner, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2024 The quarterback had one shaky outburst but doesn't get in trouble off the field, is greatly respected by almost everyone who comes in contact with him, and is the biggest cheerleader on the team. Mike Freeman, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2024 The judge ignored Smokes’s outbursts and continued with the proceeding, thanking the jurors. Jennifer Gonnerman, The New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2024 After the column ran, Microsoft gave Bing a lobotomy, neutralizing Sydney’s outbursts and installing new guardrails to prevent more unhinged behavior. Kevin Roose, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2024 Kelce's sideline outburst toward his coach was widely debated during and after the game Travis Kelce is addressing his outburst towards head coach Andy Reid during the 2024 Super Bowl. Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outburst.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outburst was in 1657

Dictionary Entries Near outburst

Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outburst. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

outburst

noun
out·​burst -ˌbərst How to pronounce outburst (audio)
1
: a sudden violent expression of strong feeling
an outburst of anger
2
: a sudden increase in activity or growth

More from Merriam-Webster on outburst

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