What does outburst mean?
An outburst is a sudden release or forceful expression of feeling, energy, or criticism. The phrase is particularly common in combinations such as an outburst of anger, an outburst of laughter, or an emotional outburst, where it emphasizes the abruptness and intensity of the event rather than its duration. An outburst can describe a private emotional reaction, such as tears, anger, or grief, as well as a more public and forceful display, such as a protest or a sudden burst of enthusiasm. The word is used in both formal and informal English across Britain and the United States. It is related in meaning to expressions such as eruption, burst, and flare-up, but it usually focuses more directly on an emotional or energetic release. An outburst is typically brief and spontaneous, contrasting with a mood or condition that persists.
nounA sudden, forceful expression of emotion, energy, or criticism. It may also refer to a sudden burst of activity or a brief eruption of feeling.
- A sudden, forceful expression of emotion, especially anger, grief, joy, or frustration.
- A sudden burst of activity, energy, or feeling.
- A brief and often forceful expression of criticism, protest, or violence.
"She was overcome by an outburst of grief when she heard the news."
"There was an outburst of applause when the mayor announced the new funding."
"The director's outburst revealed how frustrated she had been with the delays."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The supervisor managed to calm several outbursts from the audience."
One quiet moment can end with an outburst, but the word captures the sudden force of what had been held back.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outburst come from?
The word combines the prefix out- with the verb burst. The element burst comes from Old English berstan, meaning 'to break suddenly' or 'to burst,' while out- contributes the sense of outward or sudden release. The compound developed the meaning now associated with a sudden emotional or energetic expression.
How outburst is actually used
Generally neutral to formal. It is often used for strong or intense emotional displays, while 'outcry' more commonly suggests a collective public expression of protest or demand.
Easily confused with outburst
An outburst usually describes a sudden expression of emotion or energy, whereas an outbreak typically describes the emergence or rapid spread of something such as a disease, conflict, or fire.