outbreak

[out-breyk] / ˈaʊtˌbreɪk /

NOUN

sudden happening

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crash disruption epidemic eruption explosion flare-up onset plague storm surge uprising

STRONG

beginning blowup brawl break breaking burst commencement commotion convulsion crack dawn detonation discharge disorder ebullition effervescence fit flash fury gush insurrection irruption mutiny outburst outpouring paroxysm rebellion revolution roar sally sortie spasm spurt thunder tumult volley

WEAK

bursting gushing rending sundering

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm peace

STRONG

calmness completion conclusion continuity end ending finish harmony obedience order

WEAK

finale

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On Sunday, there was a ceremony for a group of four nurses who were discharged from a hospital in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, the epicentre of the outbreak.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

According to Alima, two Cubes arrived in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, the epicentre of the outbreak, over the weekend and are expected to be in use soon.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

If confirmed, they would be the first infection cases outside Africa since the outbreak began in DR Congo.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus continued a visit to Ituri province on Sunday and has pledged support to local communities affected by the outbreak.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

But it seems possible that in the years preceding the outbreak of Marburg virus in Germany, a hidden outbreak of the virus occurred on the slopes of Mount Elgon.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Vocabulary lists containing outbreak

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