Meaning & Definition of word "Outbreak"
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Outbreak
/ˈaʊtˌbreɪk/
noun:
- 1. A sudden occurrence of something, typically a disease or conflict.
- Example: The outbreak of the virus caused widespread panic among the population.
- 2. A sudden rise in the occurrence of a problem or negative event.
- Example: There was an outbreak of protests in the city after the controversial decision.
- 3. A sudden or violent breaking out or forth.
- Example: The outbreak of fighting between the two factions was unexpected.
- 4. An increase in the number of cases of a particular disease in a specific area during a specific time.
- Example: Health officials announced an outbreak of measles in the town.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from the phrase 'out break' meaning to break out.
Common Phrases and Expressions
disease outbreak:
A quick spread or increase in cases of a disease.
outbreak containment:
Efforts to stop the spread of an outbreak.
outbreak response:
Actions taken to address an outbreak.
Related Words
epidemic:
A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community.
pandemic:
An outbreak of disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects a high proportion of the population.
quarantine:
A state of enforced isolation designed to prevent the spread of disease.
Slang Meanings of outbreak
Meaning: A sudden intense situation.
Example Sentence: The party got out of hand, it was an outbreak of fun!
Meaning: A major unexpected event.
Example Sentence: The social media outbreak about the new trend was insane.