outbreak
|out-break|
B2
/ˈaʊtˌbreɪk/
sudden occurrence
Etymology
Etymology Information
'outbreak' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'outbreken,' where 'out-' meant 'outward' and 'breken' meant 'to break.'
Historical Evolution
'outbreken' transformed into the modern English word 'outbreak' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to break out or burst forth,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a sudden occurrence of something unwelcome.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, such as war or disease.
The outbreak of the flu caused many schools to close.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40