Burst out Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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burst out

[bษœหst aสŠt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Phrasal verb

emotional reaction

To suddenly express a strong emotion, often by speaking loudly or crying out. It can also mean to suddenly start doing something, especially laughing or crying.

Synonyms

erupt, erupted, erupting, explode.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
burst out

Used when someone suddenly starts doing something, like laughing or crying, often loudly and without warning.

  • She burst out laughing when she heard the joke.
  • He couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out crying.
erupt

Often used to describe a sudden occurrence, such as a volcano releasing lava, or a strong emotion or conflict emerging suddenly.

  • The volcano erupted, causing widespread panic.
  • Tensions erupted during the meeting, leading to a heated argument.
explode

Used to describe something breaking apart with a loud noise and force, such as a bomb or fireworks, or when emotions are released very violently. It may carry a negative connotation when related to emotions.

  • The fireworks exploded in a dazzling display of colors.
  • He exploded in anger when he found out the truth.
erupted

The past tense form of 'erupt,' used to discuss something that has already happened suddenly and forcefully.

  • Lava erupted from the volcano, threatening nearby villages.
  • A massive argument erupted during the family dinner.
erupting

The present participle form of 'erupt,' used to describe an ongoing sudden occurrence.

  • The volcano is erupting right now.
  • Conflict is erupting in several areas of the city.

Examples of usage

  • She burst out laughing when she heard the joke.
  • He burst out in tears when he received the bad news.
  • I couldn't help but burst out in anger at his rude comment.
Context #2 | Phrasal verb

reveal suddenly

To reveal or utter something suddenly and without warning. It can also mean to suddenly start saying something, often in an emotional or uncontrolled way.

Synonyms

blurt out, exclaim, reveal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
burst out

Use this when someone unexpectedly and suddenly starts speaking or shouting, often in an emotional way.

  • She couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing.
  • He burst out, 'I can't believe you did this!'
blurt out

This is suitable for situations where someone says something accidentally or without thinking, usually revealing a secret or sensitive information.

  • He blurted out the surprise party details without thinking.
  • She blurted out her feelings to him and immediately regretted it.
exclaim

This is used when someone says something loudly and with strong emotion, such as surprise, anger, or excitement.

  • 'Wow, that's amazing!' he exclaimed.
  • 'What a beautiful sunset!' she exclaimed.
reveal

Appropriate when someone is making something known that was previously hidden or unknown.

  • The magician finally revealed his secret.
  • She revealed the truth about her past.

Examples of usage

  • She burst out the secret to everyone in the room.
  • He burst out the truth about his past.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Expressing feelings, like bursting out with laughter or anger, can be a healthy way to release pent-up emotions.
  • Studies show that those who can burst out their emotions creatively, for instance through art or theater, may experience less stress.
  • Emotional outbursts often occur during high-stress situations, indicating an important release mechanism in human behavior.

Literature

  • Classic authors like Shakespeare often used 'burst out' to depict intense emotions experienced by characters, creating dramatic moments.
  • In modern poetry, the phrase appears frequently to convey sudden shifts in emotion, capturing the intensity of the human experience.
  • Children's literature tends to use 'burst out' to illustrate playful moments, making emotions relatable for younger audiences.

Pop Culture

  • In animated movies, characters often burst out laughing or crying to emphasize their emotional journeys, connecting with audiences.
  • Stand-up comedians frequently use 'burst out' during performances to describe audience reactions, making it part of comedic timing.
  • Reality TV shows highlight emotional outbursts to create drama, leading to memorable moments that keep viewers engaged.

Origin of 'burst out'

Main points about word origin

  • The phrase combines 'burst,' from Old English 'byrst,' meaning to break, and 'out,' denoting the direction of the action.
  • The use of 'burst out' originally referred to sudden physical actions before evolving to include emotional expressions.
  • The phrase gained popularity in English literature during the 19th century as writers began to explore characters' emotional expressions.

The origin of the phrase 'burst out' can be traced back to the early 17th century. The word 'burst' comes from Old English 'bersten', meaning 'to break suddenly'. Over time, the addition of 'out' emphasized the suddenness and intensity of the action. The phrase has evolved to encompass a range of sudden and emotional expressions, making it a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb in English language.