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Outburst: meaning, definitions and examples

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outburst

 

[ˈaʊtˌbɜrst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

emotional expression

A sudden and forceful expression of emotion, typically anger or excitement.

Synonyms

burst, eruption, explosion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outburst

Often used to describe sudden, intense expressions of emotion, particularly anger or frustration, whether in speech or behavior.

  • She had an outburst of anger during the meeting.
  • His sudden outburst surprised everyone.
explosion

Denotes a rapid and violent release of energy, often used in physical contexts like blasts or metaphorically to describe sudden, forceful situations, including in emotions (where it can have a negative connotation).

  • The explosion damaged several buildings in the area.
  • He had an explosion of anger when he heard the news.
eruption

Commonly used to describe a sudden and violent release of something, especially in terms of nature like volcanoes, or metaphorically for sudden outpourings of emotion or activity.

  • The volcano's eruption was catastrophic.
  • There was an eruption of applause at the end of the performance.
burst

Describes a sudden release or occurrence, can be used in both physical and emotional contexts. Not limited to negative emotions.

  • There was a burst of laughter from the audience.
  • He felt a burst of energy after the workout.

Examples of usage

  • He couldn't control his outburst of anger when he heard the news.
  • Her outburst of laughter echoed through the room.
  • The outburst of emotion was unexpected but genuine.
Context #2 | Noun

volcanic activity

A sudden and violent discharge of lava, rocks, ash, and gases from a volcano.

Synonyms

blowout, eruption, explosion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outburst

Use 'outburst' when referring to a sudden and intense release of emotion or energy, often in a social or emotional context.

  • He had an outburst of anger during the meeting.
  • Her sudden outburst caught everyone by surprise.
eruption

Use 'eruption' when describing the sudden occurrence of a violent event, often related to volcanoes or metaphorically to social issues.

  • The eruption of the volcano was devastating.
  • There was an eruption of protests in the city after the announcement.
explosion

Use 'explosion' to describe a rapid increase or a literal burst of energy or noise, often involving destruction. It can also be used in a figurative sense, like a sudden increase in popularity.

  • The gas leak caused a massive explosion.
  • There was an explosion of laughter in the room.
  • The population explosion has led to over-crowding in cities.
blowout

Use 'blowout' mainly to describe an event that is exceptionally large or an instance of something bursting, usually a tire. It can also refer to a decisive victory in sports.

  • The birthday party was a total blowout with hundreds of guests.
  • The car had a blowout on the highway.
  • The team won by a blowout score of 35-3.

Examples of usage

  • The volcanic outburst destroyed several nearby villages.
  • The outburst of the volcano was heard for miles around.
Context #3 | Noun

astronomy

A sudden and intense increase in the brightness of a celestial object, such as a star or a galaxy.

Synonyms

burst, flare, flare-up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outburst

Used when talking about a sudden release of strong emotion, typically anger or laughter, often in a social context.

  • She had an outburst of laughter that caught everyone by surprise.
  • His outburst of anger scared everyone in the room.
flare-up

Refers to a sudden increase in the intensity of something, especially medical conditions or conflicts. It often has a negative connotation.

  • There was a flare-up of violence in the region.
  • He had a flare-up of his old injury, causing him a lot of pain.
flare

Typically used when something, like an argument or a conflict, increases in intensity for a short period. Used less frequently for emotions in casual conversations.

  • Tensions flared during the debate.
  • The disease can flare up without warning.
burst

Often refers to a rapid and brief instance of something happening very quickly, can be physical or emotional.

  • A burst of applause filled the auditorium.
  • There was a sudden burst of energy within the team.

Examples of usage

  • The outburst of the supernova was observed by astronomers around the world.
  • The outburst of the comet illuminated the night sky.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'uburtan', meaning to burst out or break forth.
  • It was first used in English literature in the late 15th century to describe sudden emotional expressions.

Psychology

  • Outbursts can be linked to strong emotions like anger, excitement, or frustration.
  • They often occur when someone feels overwhelmed and cannot contain their feelings any longer.

Pop Culture

  • Outbursts are a common theme in dramatic movies, often used to highlight a character's emotional struggle.
  • Famous artists sometimes channel their outbursts into their work, expressing personal pain or joy through music or art.

Science

  • Studies show that emotional outbursts can affect physiological responses, such as increased heart rate and adrenaline.
  • Research indicates that frequent emotional outbursts might indicate deeper psychological issues or stress.

Literature

  • Many authors use characters' outbursts to signal turning points in narratives, revealing hidden emotions.
  • Classic literature often depicts outbursts as cathartic moments, allowing characters to confront their inner turmoil.

Translations

Translations of the word "outburst" in other languages:

🇵🇹 explosão

🇮🇳 विस्फोट

🇩🇪 Ausbruch

🇮🇩 ledakan

🇺🇦 вибух

🇵🇱 wybuch

🇯🇵 爆発 (bakuhatsu)

🇫🇷 explosion

🇪🇸 explosión

🇹🇷 patlama

🇰🇷 폭발 (pokbal)

🇸🇦 انفجار

🇨🇿 výbuch

🇸🇰 výbuch

🇨🇳 爆发 (bàofā)

🇸🇮 izbruh

🇮🇸 sprenging

🇰🇿 жарылыс

🇬🇪 აფეთქება

🇦🇿 partlayış

🇲🇽 explosión

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,846, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.