outbreak
UK: /ˈaʊtbreɪk/ | US: /ˈaʊtbreɪk/
n. a sudden occurrence or eruption of something, typically disease, conflict, or violence
n. the rapid spread of a disease among a population
n. a sudden increase in activity or visibility (e.g., "an outbreak of creativity")
outbreak = out<external> + break<rupture>
- out (from Old English ūt, meaning "external, beyond")
- break (from Old English brecan, meaning "to fracture, rupture")
Etymology Origin:
The word "outbreak" originated in Middle English as a combination of "out" (indicating externality or emergence) and "break" (suggesting a rupture or sudden event). It originally described physical ruptures (e.g., skin lesions) but evolved to metaphorically denote sudden occurrences, such as diseases or conflicts. The logic mirrors the imagery of something "breaking out" of containment.
The outbreak of cholera in the 19th century claimed thousands of lives.
Health officials are monitoring the outbreak closely to prevent further spread.
An outbreak of protests disrupted the city center.
Scientists traced the virus outbreak to contaminated water.
The sudden outbreak of laughter lightened the mood in the room.