outbreak (B2)

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈaʊtˌbreɪk/

Definition

A sudden occurrence or increase of a particular disease, crime, or other undesirable thing.

Examples

• An outbreak of measles swept through the school.

• There was a sudden outbreak of violence in the city center.

• The report detailed the causes of the recent outbreak of influenza.

How to Use outbreak

outbreak of (prepositional phrase)

Used to specify what has suddenly occurred or increased. — "There was an outbreak of food poisoning at the festival."

Synonyms of outbreak

Words with a similar meaning to outbreak:

• surge
• flare-up
• epidemic
• explosion

Antonyms of outbreak

Words with the opposite meaning to outbreak:

• decline
• cessation

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