Outbreak Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outbreak

[ˈaʊtˌbreɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

disease

A sudden occurrence of a disease in a specific geographic area or population, often causing widespread illness or death.

Synonyms

epidemic, pandemic, plague.

Examples of usage

The outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan led to a global pandemic.
There was an outbreak of measles in the local community, resulting in many children getting sick.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

violence

A sudden occurrence of violence or conflict.

Synonyms

eruption, explosion, flare-up.

Examples of usage

The outbreak of riots in the city led to chaos and destruction.
The outbreak of war between the two countries resulted in many casualties.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Health

Outbreaks can occur when a new strain of a virus emerges, such as the novel coronavirus in 2019, which led to a global pandemic.
Preventing outbreaks often involves public health measures like vaccinations and quarantines to control the spread of disease.

History

The Black Death in the 14th century is one of the most notorious outbreaks, killing millions and reshaping European history.
Historic outbreaks, like the 1918 influenza pandemic, highlight the impact of disease on society and health policies.

Science

An outbreak can be defined epidemiologically as an increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a specific area.
Scientists study outbreak patterns to predict and prevent future incidents, focusing on environmental and social factors.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'Contagion' and 'Outbreak' dramatize the spread of diseases, influencing public perception about outbreaks.
Video games often include outbreaks as plot points, where characters must survive in a world affected by a viral outbreak.

Origin of 'outbreak'

Main points about word origin

The word 'outbreak' comes from the combination of 'out' meaning away from or out of, and 'break' meaning to burst or to suddenly occur.
It has been in use since the late 19th century, originally describing sudden incidents of disease.

The word 'outbreak' originated from the combination of 'out' and 'break', indicating a sudden bursting or eruption. It has been used since the 16th century to describe sudden occurrences of diseases or violence.