Definition of "outbreak" in English

noun

1. An eruption; the sudden appearance of a rash, disease, etc.

   • Any epidemic outbreak causes understandable panic.

2. A sudden increase.

   • There has been an outbreak of vandalism at the school.

3. (figurative) An outburst or sudden eruption, especially of violence and mischief.

   • There has been an outbreak of broken windows in the street.

4. Synonym of breakout (“escape from prison”).

verb

1. (intransitive) To burst out or break forth.