Outburst: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.