Outbreak Meaning in English

word

US

/ˈaʊtˌbɹeɪk/

OWT-brayk

UK

/ˈaʊtbɹeɪk/

OWT-brayk

Definition

A sudden beginning or increase of something bad, especially of a disease, war, or violence.

Usage & Nuances

Usually refers to diseases but can also describe sudden starts of violence or conflict. Common phrases: 'outbreak of flu', 'outbreak of war'. Formal and used most often in news or reports. Not used for small personal events.

• Spanish: brote - estallido (de enfermedad)
• Portuguese (BR): surto - surto (de doença)
• Portuguese (PT): surto - surto (de doença)
• Chinese (Simplified): 爆发 - 疫情爆发
• Chinese (Traditional): 爆發 - 疫情爆發
• Hindi: प्रकोप
• Arabic: تفشي
• Bengali: প্রকোপ - বিস্তার
• Russian: вспышка
• Japanese: 発生
• Vietnamese: bùng phát
• Korean: 발병 - 발생
• Turkish: patlak verme - salgın
• Urdu: پھوٹ پڑنا - وبا کا پھوٹنا
• Indonesian: wabah - merebak

Example Sentences

There was an outbreak of the flu at the school.

basic

The sudden outbreak surprised everyone.

basic

Doctors are working to stop the outbreak.

basic

Since the outbreak, travel plans have changed a lot.

natural

News of the outbreak spread quickly online.

natural

Officials are worried about another possible outbreak this year.

natural