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noun Uncommon

outburst

OWT-burst

Outburst (noun) means a sudden, forceful release of emotion, especially anger. Example: “His outburst in the meeting embarrassed everyone.”

noun
1
A sudden, forceful release of emotion, especially anger.
"His outburst in the meeting embarrassed everyone."
"She apologized for her emotional outburst later that evening."

How to use outburst

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sudden burst of strong feeling, usually anger or frustration, expressed out loud.

Common pairings
angry outburst emotional outburst sudden outburst

Word forms

outburst past tense, outbursts plural, outbursts singular

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His _____ in the meeting embarrassed everyone.

Etymology

From Middle English outbersten, built from "out-" and "burst."

Origin: Middle English

Antonyms

inburst

Frequently asked questions

What does “outburst” mean?

The word “outburst” means a sudden, forceful release of emotion, especially anger. In plain terms, a sudden burst of strong feeling, usually anger or frustration, expressed out loud.

How do you pronounce “outburst”?

“Outburst” is pronounced OWT-burst (/ˈaʊ̯tˌbɝst/ in IPA).

How do you use “outburst” in a sentence?

Here is “outburst” used in a sentence: “His outburst in the meeting embarrassed everyone.”

What is the opposite of “outburst”?

The opposite of “outburst” — its antonyms — is inburst.

What part of speech is “outburst”?

“Outburst” is a noun.

Where does the word “outburst” come from?

The word “outburst” comes from Middle English. From Middle English outbersten, built from "out-" and "burst.".

Is “outburst” a common word?

“Outburst” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial