Dictionary

outbreak

noun out·break \ˈat-ˌbrāk\

: a sudden start or increase of fighting or disease

Full Definition of OUTBREAK

1
a :  a sudden or violent increase in activity or currency <the outbreak of war>
b :  a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease <an outbreak of measles>
c :  a sudden increase in numbers of a harmful organism and especially an insect within a particular area <an outbreak of locusts>
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of OUTBREAK

1602
OUTBREAK Defined for Kids

outbreak

noun out·break \ˈat-ˌbrāk\

Definition of OUTBREAK for Kids

:  a sudden occurrence or increase of something <an outbreak of chicken pox>
Medical Dictionary

outbreak

noun out·break \ˈat-ˌbrāk\

Medical Definition of OUTBREAK

1
:  a sudden rise in the incidence of a disease <an outbreak of measles>
2
:  a sudden increase in numbers of a harmful organism and especially an insect within a particular area <an outbreak of locusts>

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: outbreakerPrevious Word in the Dictionary: outbraveAll Words Near: outbreak
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears