outbreak

US /ˈaʊtˌbrek/

・

UK /ˈaʊtbreɪk/

B2
DefinitionVideo subtitles

noun

  • Sudden occurrence of illness, discontent etc.
  • A sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, such as war or disease.
  • A sudden bursting forth; eruption.
  • A sudden manifestation or eruption.
  • A sudden start or increase of fighting or other violence.

Examples

the events that led to the outbreak of World War I

A new outbreak of smallpox occurred in 1928.