Break out Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbɹeɪk/ /ˈaʊt

BRAYK-owt

UK

bɹˈeɪk/ /ˈaʊt

brayk-OWT

Definition

To start suddenly, especially something dangerous or serious like a war, fire, or disease. It can also mean to escape, especially from a place like prison.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and common in news. Used for sudden events: 'break out' of jail, 'break out' in spots, 'break out' a fight. Not used for minor, positive events. Often followed by 'of' when meaning escape.

• Spanish: estallar - escaparse
• Portuguese (BR): começar de repente - fugir (prisão)
• Portuguese (PT): irromper - fugir (prisão)
• Chinese (Simplified): 爆发 - 逃脱
• Chinese (Traditional): 爆發 - 逃脫
• Hindi: फैल जाना - भाग जाना
• Arabic: يندلع - يهرب
• Bengali: হঠাৎ শুরু হওয়া - পালিয়ে যাওয়া
• Russian: вспыхнуть - сбежать
• Japanese: 発生する - 脱走する
• Vietnamese: bùng phát - vượt ngục
• Korean: 발생하다 - 탈옥하다
• Turkish: patlak vermek - kaçmak (hapisten)
• Urdu: اچانک شروع ہونا - فرار ہونا
• Indonesian: muncul tiba-tiba - melarikan diri

Example Sentences

A fire broke out in the kitchen last night.

basic

Three prisoners broke out of jail.

basic

A disease broke out in the city.

basic

When the fight broke out, everyone ran for cover.

natural

Acne tends to break out when people are stressed.

natural

If war breaks out, travel will be dangerous.

natural