What does outpour mean?
Outpour is a formal, expressive verb meaning to pour or discharge something outward, especially in a forceful or abundant stream. Its modern use is often figurative: a person may outpour grief, gratitude, anger, or sympathy, while a speaker may outpour their feelings or opinions. The related noun denotes an act or instance of such a flow, as in an outpour of public emotion. Although the literal sense of liquid or another material flowing out is fully established, the figurative sense suggests abundance and emotional intensity rather than mere release. Outpour appears in both British and American English and is especially common in journalism, literary description, and discussion of public responses to events. It sounds more literary than plain words such as pour, spill, or express, and the noun outpouring is often more familiar. Because it evokes an unstoppable outward flow, the word is useful when describing a large, visible, or emotionally charged release.
To pour or discharge something outward, especially in a large or forceful flow; by extension, to express emotion, speech, or another response in abundance.
"The witnesses outpoured their accounts of the accident to the reporters."
The figurative use is common in formal and literary contexts and often implies an overwhelming or emotionally charged response.
An act or instance of pouring out, especially a flow of emotion, speech, or public response.
"The announcement was met by an immediate outpour of congratulations."
The noun is less common than outpouring but is standard in formal writing.
The standard plural is outpours, although outpourings is more idiomatic for expressions of emotion or public response.
"The broadcast prompted outpours of comment from viewers across the country."
A single outpour can be a torrent of tears, a flood of public sympathy, or even water escaping through a burst pipe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outpour come from?
Outpour is an English compound formed from the preposition or adverb out and the older verb pour. The verb pour entered Middle English from Old French pourer and Medieval Latin pourare, ultimately associated with Latin perforare, “to pierce or bore,” whose imagery was reinterpreted as pouring out. Outpour preserves the sense of a stream moving outward and was extended from literal uses to the expression of abundant emotion or speech; perforate and perforation are later English relatives.
Related word forms
How outpour is actually used
Outpour is formal to literary in style. Its figurative use conveys abundance and emotional intensity, while the related noun outpouring is more common than outpour, especially for public responses to events.