outbreak

out-break · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, such as war or disease.

  2. 2.

    A sudden occurrence of something, typically violence or hostility.

Forms

plural: outbreaks

Related words

Antonyms: containment
See also: crisis, epidemic, eruption, pandemic
Synonyms: epidemic, eruption, flare-up

Etymology

From out + break, originally referring to something breaking out or bursting forth.