outbreak
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for outbreak, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sudden start or spread of something unwelcome, such as a disease or violence.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use outbreak
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
disease outbreak
outbreak of violence
contain an outbreak
Etymology
From Old English ūtābrecan, "to break out," built from "out-" and "break."
Full origin of outbreak →Frequently asked questions
What does “outbreak” mean?
The word “outbreak” means a sudden start or spread of something unwelcome, such as a disease or violence. In plain terms, a sudden, unwanted eruption of something harmful, especially illness or violence.
How do you pronounce “outbreak”?
“Outbreak” is pronounced OWTB-rayk (/ˈaʊtbɹeɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “outbreak” in a sentence?
Here is “outbreak” used in a sentence: “Health officials responded quickly to the flu outbreak at the school.”
What is the opposite of “outbreak”?
The opposite of “outbreak” — its antonyms — is inbreak.
What part of speech is “outbreak”?
“Outbreak” is a noun.
Where does the word “outbreak” come from?
The word “outbreak” comes from Old English. From Old English ūtābrecan, "to break out," built from "out-" and "break.".
Is “outbreak” a common word?
“Outbreak” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an "outbreak" and an "epidemic"?
An "outbreak" is a sudden rise in cases of a disease, often in a limited area or group. An "epidemic" is a larger outbreak that spreads widely through a population or region.
What is the difference between an "outbreak" and a "pandemic"?
An "outbreak" is a sudden, often local, appearance of a disease. A "pandemic" is an epidemic that has spread across many countries or continents, affecting large numbers of people.
What is the difference between "outbreak" and "outburst"?
An "outbreak" is the sudden start or spread of something unwelcome, such as disease or violence. An "outburst" is a sudden release of strong emotion or energy, such as an outburst of anger or laughter.
What words commonly follow "outbreak"?
"Outbreak" is usually followed by "of," as in an outbreak of measles, an outbreak of violence, or an outbreak of war.
